Growing up, one of my favorite movies was The Gumball Rally, a 1976 comedy inspired by the actual Cannonball Baker Sea-To-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash held by Brock Yates.

In the movie, the Ferrari team hires a professional driver, played by Raul Julia, to give them a competitive advantage. The first thing he does is tear off the rear view mirror, and utters a line with many leadership implications.

“The first rule of Italian driving … what’s behind me is not important.”

And having driven in Italy, I can tell you first-hand that many Italian drivers take this lesson to heart.

The corollary for leaders is not what’s behind you, but who.

Leaders, by definition, have followers.  The question for you to consider is why they are following.

Are they following because they have to?  After all, you’re the boss.  They have no choice.

Or, are they following because they want to.  Because they believe in you and in your vision.  Because they are convinced that your strategy is the right one.  Because they have deemed your mission to be worth the investment of their life?

So, leaders, take a look in the rear view mirror … because who’s behind you is really important.

You can watch the trailer for The Gumball Rally on YouTube here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4y-8Cq7wib8

The Shift Points blog is designed for Fast Lane leaders who want to leave their competitors in the dust.

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