While on a road trip, we were at the scene of an automobile accident as it happened. On the freeway 70 MPH. Potentially catastrophic but not. All who were not involved but there stopped. Three lanes of 70MPH traffic was stopped.
Several of us helped the driver out of the overturned SUV. Someone rescued his frightened Jack Russel Terrier as it ran towards oncoming traffic. 911 got called. Someone got a blanket for the shaken driver to rest his head on. Someone got water to cool his head in the 95 degree heat.
Everything that could be done prior to the arrival of emergency services was done. No one was in charge. Some people stood around and gawked. Others saw what needed to be done and did it. Others stayed in their cars as they knew this was not a situation where they could add value.
I have been in the middle of a bunch of life threatening and some life taking emergencies. Yes, there is pandemonium. There also seems to always be people who rise to the occasion and do what must be done. People who have never met before function as a team. Sometimes they win and lives are saved. Sometimes they lose and lives are lost.
Leaders take action when action is needed. Leaders step back, take direction and support leaders when that’s what’s needed. Leaders care about others and help when help is needed. It doesn’t take a title. I’m the Outsider and that’s what I think.
