Here is a recent communique from NMA that I find fascinating. See what you think about it. (for more information visit the NMA’s website).

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Der Speigel noted in 2006 that the number of accidents in Drachten “declined dramatically” after the open traffic design was implemented. Other European cities similarly minimized their traffic control systems with positive results.

My first reaction to this article is to say, “Maybe that’s true for them but we are different.” But upon further reflection I have to say that I think they have a point. Keeping it in the context of driving I have noticed that anytime I’m using a GPS with audible prompts “turn left 1 mile ahead”, I tend not to read the terrain as attentively. Without the crutch of the GPS I am much more consciously engaged and alert.

Likewise when a fellow passenger is giving me directions (aka: backseat drivers) I pay more attention to their directions and criticism than I do to the actual terrain and more frequently miss my turn. Hmmmm.

If this is true in driving, in what other areas is this true?

How about business coaching, education, parenting, military training, and sales training?

Think about it: if you get an education as to what to look for, what it means, and how to respond to it, then you are intellectually prepared, but only when you are physically and emotionally engaged do you truly learn. It is in USE that we learn to sharpen our skills.

Maybe a bit less direction and lot more immersion in a state of full accountability is the key to our advancement? If your outcomes are determined by your choices, and nobody is protecting you from the consequences of your decisions…wouldn’t you be more careful and thoughtful? I would.

This even applies to society in general. The more we have laws, rules, agencies, etc. to keep us from feeling the full effect of our actions, the less we tend to be careful and responsible. The more we have entitlements instead of earned rewards, the less we exert initiative and creativity. People don’t become more creative and productive because they’ve been trained to do so, they become more so because they need to. Then they put the training to use. USE, that’s where the learning takes effect. So, yes buy books, read them, go to classes, learn from coaches and mentors…but don’t forget to take away the “net” and jump wisely. In the final analysis you are responsible for You.

Jim Cathcart http://cathcart.com

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