The task was not difficult:  get the leadership team of an organization from the meeting site to a local restaurant.  The name and location of the restaurant was provided verbally.  Some generic directions were thrown out to the group, things like "turn at the Chik-fil-a" and "it's the second or third light heading south."  I knew the way and all agreed that they could just follow me. We all piled into our assorted car and headed out of the hotel parking lot.

Just beyond the hotel entrance the route required a right turn.  There is no traffic light  at that intersection, and it was  5:30 on Friday afternoon, so it took some time (and risky acceleration) to make the turn and join the flow of cars.  I bolted out; the others were not so bold.  I kept driving, although moderating my speed, and checked my rear-view mirror frequently for the rest of the cars.

One, two, three of the cars eventually fell in behind me.  I got to the next intersection and just as I passed under the signal, it flashed to yellow.  I made the turn, but alas, those following me did not continue.  They sat waiting as the distance between us grew.  I found a place to pull off  on the right side of the highway.  I watched as the light changed - red, green arrow, green - and pulled out as my team members came through the signal.  Once again we were aligned.

One half mile further and we came to the final intersection.  I turned right on yellow.  The car behind me stopped, and I lost my team yet again.  I inched along, waiting, glancing in the mirror, watching for the rest of the caravan to rejoin me.  By the time we turned into the restaurant parking lot I was drained of energy.  What had been a simple trip became a logistical nightmare because....?

•  I was the leader.  It was up to the followers to keep up.  And yet, I had some responsibility to 'herd' them to the proposed location.  So I drove forward looking backward.

• They were the followers.  If I went on yellow, they had my permission to continue on yellow.  But they stopped, or rather one of them stopped and all behind them had to stop as well.  Next time, perhaps I will put the risk-takers at the head of the line.

Does your organization have the "yellow light" leadership syndrome?  What information do your followers need from you to be able to keep on to the goal, even if you are out of sight?