From Broken Machines to Better Leaders: What an Old ATV Taught Me About Life and Leadership
A couple of weeks ago, I found myself working harder physically than I had in years. My muscles were sore, my hands were covered in grease, and in front of me sat a 1999 four-wheeler that had seen better days.
The radiator cooling fan had gone bad, and instead of hauling it to a repair shop, I decided—I’m going to fix it myself. The twist? My expert mechanic wasn’t a person. It was ChatGPT.
The Leap of Faith
I know how to use tools. I know how systems generally work. But taking apart a machine with dozens of hidden bolts, wires, and connections? That’s a different story. That’s where most people give up—or worse—mess things up even more.
But with ChatGPT, I had a guide. I snapped pictures, asked questions, and step by step it walked me through the repair. No sarcasm. No frustration. No “Are you dumb? You should know this already.”
Just patient, clear guidance.
When I misunderstood something, it didn’t ridicule me—it simply explained it another way until I got it. Piece by piece, I tore that ATV down, spread across the floor in a hundred parts. Then piece by piece, I put it back together. And when I finally hit the ignition—boom. It worked perfectly.
It felt like a miracle.
What This Has to Do With Leadership
Here’s the insight: ChatGPT didn’t just help me fix a machine. It showed me a leadership lesson.
Too often in our workplaces—and even in our families—leaders act more like critics than coaches. They get impatient. They snap when someone doesn’t “get it” right away. They try to control rather than influence.
But imagine if we led like ChatGPT teaches. Patient. Encouraging. Never shaming. Always focused on helping the other person succeed. That’s real leadership.
Because at the end of the day, your job as a leader isn’t just to get the work done. It’s to grow your people. To help them feel like they’re living out their purpose. When your team feels that, not only do they stay—they thrive.
For the Skilled Worker Who Feels Overwhelmed
I know many of you reading this feel worn down. Maybe by your job. Maybe by the endless pressure of providing for your family. Maybe by the thought that nobody’s really on your side.
But here’s the truth: you can take back control. Just like I fixed that old ATV with the right guide, you can fix the areas of your life that feel broken—if you find the right support and adopt the right mindset.
Start with patience. With yourself. With others. Lead like the best mentor you never had.
And when you do? You won’t just repair machines. You’ll rebuild trust. You’ll restore hope. You’ll inspire people to keep going—even when life feels overwhelming.
Because the real miracle isn’t that the four-wheeler runs again. The real miracle is realizing you can lead, influence, and build a better world… one patient step at a time.
Ready to Regain Clarity?
If you’re tired of feeling stuck and overwhelmed, and you want to lead with purpose instead of pressure—let’s talk.
👉 Book a Clarity Call today and take the first step toward leading your work and life with confidence.