It was a cold, wind-swept night in Minnesota. I was a freshman in high school. My two older brothers had organized a “party” that night, with 10 of their closest friends. OK, to be clear, it was a “kegger.” The truth is, I have never been much of a drinker, but I have always loved people. When they said, “party,” I was in.

The three of us set out for a nearby lake to join the revelers. As we approached, I could see the party was already under way. There were six cars parked in a wide circle around a huge blazing bonfire.

As the party progressed, and the alcohol kicked in, Mike, one of the partygoers, decided to have some creative fun with the gasoline used to start the fire. He was attempting to make a trail of fire leading away from the bonfire, out into the darkness of the night, where he had poured a larger pool of gas. It was great fun, until the gas finally reached the bonfire.

In a flash, the fire traveled from the bonfire, across Mike’s trench of gasoline and right up to the gas can. Flames were shooting out of the pour spout. In a panic, Mike set the can down and ran away as fast as he could and left behind this ticking time bomb.

None of us knew for sure what would happen. It was possible that the can would explode without warning, yet we all stood there watching the flames shoot from the spout, doing nothing. What I did not tell you is that all of this took place on the ice, in the middle of the lake. If the can filled with gas exploded, we were going to the bottom of the lake, cars and all. The cost of doing nothing was much greater than the cost of action, yet we stood there frozen in fear.

People sometimes react in the same thing. They know there is a time bomb in their lives or companies, yet, they just watch it, hoping the situation will work itself out. The risk of doing nothing is far greater than the risk of taking action, yet they just stand still, waiting to see if they will fall through the ice. What’s the answer? In one word, it’s leadership.

My brother Brian ran towards the flaming can, picked it up and did an Olympic hammer throw movement, spinning around 360 degrees and launching the can into the air as far as he could throw it. When it hit the ice some thirty yards away, the can tipped over and the fire went out. If not for his courageous leadership, I might not be here today telling this story.

Trust me when I tell you, I am very grateful to my brother for his leadership that night. When you are faced with a situation that could mean the end of your business or organization, bring harm to your marriage or family, don’t just stand there waiting for the inevitable. Take action. Do something.

Teddy Roosevelt once said, “At times of great decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing; the next best thing is the wrong thing; and the worst thing you can do is nothing.” Don’t do “nothing.” Take action and lead the way for those around you. They will be grateful for your action.

What situation is in your life right now that needs leadership? Maybe you are not sure what the right course of action is, but do something; anything is better than doing nothing. Move toward the problem, not away from it. By moving toward the problem, the right action will present itself, and the potential time bomb will blow out.

I’ve since lost track of Mike, but have always assumed he is serving jail time somewhere for arson. He seemed “way” too fascinated with fire that night. Mike, wherever you are, thanks for providing me with a great leadership lesson.

AUTHOR: 96740881967
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