Lessons from an auto rickshaw ride

Have you ever felt that helpless frustration of being taken for a ride? If not, then maybe you have not experienced an auto rickshaw (Tuk Tuk) ride in India. For some, an ‘auto’ ride is like a death wish on 3 wheels, for some others it is one of the most essential conveniences to beat traffic and time. But if you are one of those who are not riding in an ‘auto’ then it is a nuisance on 3 wheels that is always threatening to knock you down or scratch your expensive car. So much so, that it is almost fashionable for most living in Chennai or visiting this city to complain about the rude auto rickshaw drivers and rough rides that follow. Not to mention the ‘not so fair’ fares.

Having travelled a few times in these 3 wheeled automobile marvels I have come to realize that there is more to this ride than just the rough side. In fact, if we manage to hang in there through the pot holes, sharp turns, tampered fare meter et-all, then this ride can teach us some important lessons for both life in general and handling the challenges at work place.

# Every Problem has a solution

Often we come across a challenge that seems un surmountable – a challenge that requires us to think positive, be creative and be willing to take that element of risk. To an auto rickshaw driver there are always as many gaps as there are vehicles on the road. They don’t look at what’s in front but what’s ahead. They are always prepared to cut some sharp angles (quick thinking, creative). They don’t always follow the rule books (breaking conventions) and almost always never bother about being popular (taking hard and unpleasant decisions). All they focus on are the gaps (Solutions) and not the vehicles (Problems) in front.

# Unknown angel better than known devil

When faced with over whelming problems (heavy traffic) the ‘auto’ almost always goes into roads less travelled and may be even into streets that have no road. An auto rickshaw driver knows that a known devil (main road with traffic) is a devil but is always optimistic about the new routes. It’s their hope for an angel rather than the fear of devil that helps pass the traffic. A gamble is always better than status quo. You will never find an auto rickshaw standing helpless in traffic. They always strive to move ahead. So what if you don’t approve of their methods. Often times, our problems are so much a result of our fear of failure and the resulting inaction. So go ahead, take a decision. If it turns out wrong, then take another and another.

# Agile methodology on the road

One very important and fascinating lesson I have learnt through an auto ride is how a solution emerges once we are ready to resolve the problem. The trick is to take that first step, however small it may seem. Have you noticed how an auto rickshaw manages to pass through the narrowest of gaps which was not even wide enough for the front wheel to pass through, to start with? The auto never waits for the complete solution to emerge but works with what it has and lets the answer evolve. Course corrections are part of the norm. True pioneers of agile methodology I suppose.

# Don’t be a wimp.

They say ‘when the going gets tough, the tough gets going’. What better way to learn this all important skill to succeed in life than taking on an auto driver, going through with the ride and coming out of it bruised and battered but yet be prepared to do it all over again the next day. Wimp’s don’t win.

# Believe in Miracles

If a vehicle on 3 wheels and high centre of gravity can stay on the road without tipping over then it has to be miracle at play and not just engineering logic. An auto ride shows us that miracles do happen and they make every day of our lives worth waking up to. We can crib about nerve wrecking, back breaking ride or we can sit back and enjoy the adventure while it lasts for all its miracles.

Always remember, you are never taken for a ride in life. You are only taken on a ride. It’s up to us to enjoy the distinction and more importantly enjoy the ride.