The other day as I was walking on campus, it happened. I was minding my own business, when, looking up from my New York Times, I realized that one of my fellow pedestrians was on a collision course with me. My counterpart realized this at about the same time, and then followed a moment that has been repeated numerous times in the past to countless members of humanity. The moment of indecision. You know what I’m talking about. There is the pause while the two parties size up the situation. Then there is the simultaneous step to the left. Then there is the mirror move right. This pattern of mimicked movement may go through several repetitions before one or the other finally forges ahead in frustration, leaving both pedestrians to rush hurriedly away to their destinations. However, for me it was different. Some time ago, I examined this indecision and saw it for what is was: a lack of dominant leadership. From that point on I decided that I would be the one to take charge. Instead of pausing to evaluate, I would choose a direction and go without hesitation, thus giving my counterpart a chance to base his reaction against my action. Therefore, when I was faced with the situation I alluded to at the beginning of this blog, I went left, and my fellow pedestrian continued on to my right without missing a beat. Granted, I realize that this appproach has its hazards. There’s always the threat of running into a fellow leader, literally. In addition, some pedestrians, not accustomed to having somebody take charge of the situation, might panic, and nobody wants to see that. But these are risks that we each must be willing to take to bring order to the world of walking. Therefore I appeal to you, my fellow pedestrians, to take charge, and eliminate the scourge of indecisive walking. Just make sure you stay out of my way in the process.