[October 22, 2017] U.S. football legend Roger Staubach once said that “there are no traffic jams along the extra mile.” As in any part of life, going beyond what is expected or required will put you ahead of others. The idiom Going the Extra Mike is a well-known idea that is both tried (by us all) and true.
The expression probably originates in the Christian Bible when Jesus declares in his Sermon on the Mount, “Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two.” (Matthew 5:41). Some folks today unwisely reject the teachings (sage advice) in the Bible but do so like Romeo rejecting Juliet at the last moment; not a wise decision.
Leaders, almost by definition, are those that go the extra mile else they would not be leaders. Everyone has been witness to a leader who doesn’t and they inevitably fail to pull their team together and rarely connect with team members.
What are those behaviors that demonstrate a leader goes the extra mile?
– They seem to always be a step ahead.
– They have a reliable and consistent reputation.
– They posses an internal drive; a passion to do more.
– They are the “go to” person when the boss wants something done.
– They are resilient to obstacles in their path.
– They have a good disposition, a positive attitude, and ‘get er done’ mentality.
– … and they are quick to pick up additional responsibilities and get promoted.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach was known for more than his exceptional play on the football field. He was a team builder, a promoter of his team, and a person who would give the shirt off his back to help a member of the franchise. He knew that he was talking about when he noted that only a few are willing to step out and go the extra mile.
Staubach was right and insightful. Oftentimes, we call them “heroes.”