I used to think of leading teams a little like trying to herd cats. Everyone has a mind of their own, and it’s a challenge to keep them on track and moving in the right direction. I used to think it was exhausting at times.

While the herding cats analogy isn’t too far off, it’s not the burden I used to think of it as. People are heading in different directions because they have different opinions, perspectives, and ideas. Your job isn’t to contain them. Instead, your job is to expose them for the benefit of reaching your objectives.

Make it safe for people to talk about their differences. When this happens, they will explore the differences and find the best way to reach their goals together. Then, watch them come together and go!

You’ve got this.