While walking down the crowded streets of Manhattan yesterday, I noticed a shift in the foot traffic pattern and my rush hour walk became easier. It took me a minute to sort it out, but the difference was that I was walking behind someone- taller than me – who was in essence, breaking the waves in front of me.
This occurs at work too. A mentor, for example, gives advice to save me from mistakes. A boss or colleague has expertise, or had a conversation, or done work (often unknowingly) that makes it easier for me get my part of the work done.
My takeways – look for wave breakers, get behind then and don’t forget to thank them!