A Walk, A Geyser, and a Leadership Lesson
What a busted sprinkler revealed about waste in business.
Part of my daily rhythm is a morning walk through the neighborhood—just under three miles. It keeps me grounded, energized, and often, it’s when I listen to books or podcasts that challenge my thinking. It’s a small habit that pays big dividends for both physical health and mental clarity.
But a few weeks ago, something unexpected on that walk sparked a broader reflection.
About eight minutes in, I paused my audiobook when I heard the unmistakable sound of water rushing. Across the street, I spotted it: a sprinkler head, broken and shooting water like a geyser. It was flooding the driveway, rushing down the sidewalk, and pouring straight into the storm drain. The yard wasn’t getting much of anything.
I stood there for several minutes, observing. The question that came to mind wasn’t just how much water is being wasted? —but how often does this happen in our businesses?
