It’s a bad idea to speed along a highway while staring in the rear-view mirror. Yet, every day good people focus on what’s in their past, telling themselves stories that have them stuck.

When the people you lead seem stuck, it might be that they’re spending a little too much time looking in the rear-view mirror. As a leader, help them shift their focus to where they’re trying to go.

You might start by acknowledging that it seems they’re stuck. Doing so will help normalize what they’re feeling. However, don’t dwell in this area as you might anchor the conversation there.

Then, start to help them focus on where they’re trying to go. I like starting with a simple question, like “What do you want?” Then follow wherever they taking you in the conversation.

You’ve got this.