I just returned from a two week family vacation spanning 3940 miles and 9 states – all in a car. It was great! . . but not all the time. Somewhere in the drive across one of our beautiful, but LONG western states it hit me what a great family/team I was traveling with. It also hit me that successful family vacations and successful teams have lots of similarities. Here are a few: 
- Commitment to make the best of it – When the car starts it has begun and no amount of complaining changes it. Great teams and families disagree. Debate, complain, argue, maybe scream . . but when the car starts, it is time to make it work.
- Something for everyone – Asking the question in the beginning What would you like to do? changes the journey. When people get to do certain activities they want to do, it makes non-grumbling participation easier for other have to do activities. (for our kids have to do = museums) This also helps with #1.
- Find tasks that fit talents – Everyone has something to contribute. Older kids carry more. Planners do research and put shopping lists together. Everyone helps pack and unpack. The youngest makes people laugh. Everyone having a role ensures everyone is working together.
- Accept imperfection – Even the greatest leader will have an If I have to stop this car! moment. Don’t let it define the event. Followers acknowledge it and leaders apologize for it. Both work to get beyond it.
- Create quiet time for engagement – Emails, texting, and all the other distractions are ways to escape. Turn things off and focus on being together. It changes things for the better.
There are probably a few more, but every like every vacation – every blog must have an end.
Want to practice leading a team this summer. How about leading a vacation differently.
