THE TRAIL DRIVE

The movies and TV series many of us grew up with often featured or built their themes around the western cattle drive to Kansas or points farther north. A supporting actor, responsible for preparing regular meals for the cowboys usually was named “Cookie” or some form thereof. Nevertheless, his role on the drive never could be mistaken, and his chuck wagon was always the lone “vehicle” that was trashed and trampled when the stampedes invariably occurred. Likewise, there was always a “kid” on the drive, the wrangler. Sometimes not deserving of any other name, the kid’s job was to care for the horses of the cowboys who were in camp for the night; the kid also managed the remuda, the extra horses for when the cowboys’ mounts broke down or needed a rest. That was his job until trouble showed up and then it was every man who protected what belonged to the cattle company.

The scout rode ahead of the herd looking for signs of trouble, the safest route to travel, or the calmest spot on the river where the cattle could cross safely. His role was important but not often featured in the movie; we just knew he was out there somewhere.

Other jobs included the trail boss, point or flank, swing, and the lonely men who were at the back of the herd eating the dust and the odors from hundreds of cattle that blended into a miserable experience. No wonder these cowboys were angry all the time, and who usually got into fistfights with the cowboys who claimed the less dirty and more highly skilled positions.

It usually was unspoken, but most of the cowboys, regardless of the position each filled, wanted to be the trail boss and probably thought they were ready and well prepared at least to run the drive better than the “Captain,” as the trail boss often was named. He did not earn his position by accident. He could do it all; he had spent time as the lowly wrangler; he probably had swallowed a lot of dust and breathed more than his share of foul odors as he worked his way through each position on earlier drives. He and his horse learned to trust each other to bring the strays back to the herd gracefully and aggressively as they wandered from the planned route. He had fought his way to the top both literally and figuratively. He had to be because no one followed a weak leader if success was the goal. The trail riders learned to trust his decisions, or be fired, or they quit. The boss learned to follow the suggestions of the scout, and if there was a question, he was more than capable of riding ahead and confirming the safest route. He possessed keen, anticipatory instincts.

The trail boss hired good people. He knew how to hire quality trail riders whose reputations preceded them. He knew to check “references” and he knew never to lie to a fellow trail boss because he was a man of integrity or he did not last. He was tough and he could face the elements, rustlers, and marauding bands of enemies calmly and appropriately. He managed the money. He set the schedule, charted the route, and he listened to the opinions of those riding flank who kept the herd together; they also rode in a position of importance just behind and on each side of the trail boss. They were trusted and their opinions heard; everyone had a voice. Their responsibility was to the captain, and, indirectly, to the company. Only the trail boss answered directly to the company.

By now, I hope you recognize all of the parallels to what leadership is all about, whether it is on a cattle drive, in a school, or corporate office whose employees are struggling to be the best. I encourage you, as you work your way through the system within which you toil, to set your sights high.

IF YOU ASPIRE TO LEAD, LEAD LIKE A TRAIL BOSS. DON’T EAT DIRT!