Hi, David:)

First, thanks for the "tow" into some excellent leadership thoughts.  This is a great analogy and very visual.  I have images of bumpers flying off cars stuck in my head now.

Second, I thought immediately of my first Very Good Boss, who had a way of talking me through thinking out a problem and the solution.  It strikes me that his methods were much like a well-done tow:   I was stuck in the ditch and, with some planning and thoughtfulness, he could pull me right back up on the road and I would be on my way.

I think it is important to remember, staying with this analogy a bit longer, that once you are out of the ditch, you can and should often proceed forward on your own power.   Every mistake does not require a trip to the garage or service station ... sometimes all you need is a little help getting going again.

I plan to steal this analogy for my coaching ... thanks:)

John