“Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.”
– Simon Sinek – Start With Why
Back on our train. We’re making steady progress and currently on schedule to arrive well in time for our wedding. The passengers are happy and comfortable, the train’s rhythm has contributed to their relaxation and the odd gin and tonic has only added to their comfort. Then an unexpected problem develops — the driver is taken quite ill and needs medical treatment. The conductor orders the train to slow and stop at the next station for a replacement driver… and our journey is suddenly in jeopardy.
Projects face similar moments. Leadership changes — whether a project manager leaving, a sponsor stepping aside, or an executive moving on — can happen unexpectedly. How that transition is handled determines whether the journey continues smoothly or slips off track.
The Roles: Driver vs Conductor
On a railway, the driver (or engineer) is responsible for far more than just ‘making the train move.’ They control and maintain speed, ensure braking is smooth and safe, and observe rail signals along the line. Drivers are constantly alert for hazards on the track, monitoring the performance of engine systems, and responding to unexpected conditions — from weather to mechanical faults. Without the driver, the train does not move safely.
The conductor (or guard) plays a very different but equally critical role. They oversee the journey as a whole, ensuring passengers are safe, managing tickets and luggage, coordinating stops, and staying in constant communication with the driver, stations and signallers. Without the conductor, the service quickly falls into disorder.
Projects mirror this split. A project manager is like the driver — responsible for day-to-day delivery, keeping progress steady, monitoring risks, and ensuring that ‘signals’ from governance or sponsors are observed. A sponsor or senior leader is closer to the conductor — aligning the broader journey with the project’s purpose, managing stakeholders, and making sure the whole enterprise stays on track. Both roles are essential, and switching either mid-journey brings serious risks.
About the quote: Simon Sinek is a British-American author and leadership thinker best known for Start With Why and his “Golden Circle” concept. His TED Talk on starting with “why” is among the most viewed worldwide. He also wrote Leaders Eat Last and The Infinite Game, focusing on trust, purpose, and long-term leadership.
Next time on The Pieces Fit
So how do you keep the project on the rails when leadership changes…?
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