It's Not Always Right to Be Right

Chapter 18Who Is Writing Your Agenda?

Some people just have the ‘It’ factor.

I guess it helps when that someone looks like this bloke.

Mario Gabriele Andretti is an Italian‐born American former racing car driver. He has the heritage, the name, the sunglasses, the cars and always the leather jacket. He is one of only two drivers to have won races in Formula 1, IndyCar, World Sportscar Champs and NASCAR.

As somewhat of a wannabe petrol‐head myself, I like him a lot. The other reason I like him is for his quote, ‘If you are in control, you are not driving fast enough’. It's my all‐time favourite and my number one go to when describing my ideal state of mind.

The key is having a go in the first place. It starts with setting your own agenda. Not executing another's, but leading and creating your own.

And who knows, just maybe we can secure an ounce of that ‘It’ factor along the way.

THE MESSAGE

People follow leaders; they work for managers. This is why I have chosen to lead. It motivates and inspires me. I like to set my own agenda wherever I can. This means doing it in a manner where I set the pace. Not leaving it to chance and not leaving it in the hands of others, regardless of how capable or well‐intentioned they may be.

I prefer an approach that enhances my odds of winning. Although I haven't always done so, I now religiously try to plan my own journey. No reason why you cannot as well.

Let me start with a reality check that happened to me back in 2005.

It was during ...