Picture a corporation, business, school or team as a bus. The distance the bus travels represents the goals and progress of the organisation. The bus itself has no gas, and it is dependent upon the people within to provide the energy to move. Imagine there are holes in the bottom of the bus and that everyone must move the bus with their legs. The people on the bus can be divided into groups according to how fast and how far they push the bus.

Runners - These individuals are running as hard as possible and are basically carrying the bus. They come early and they stay late. They never complain and their work ethic is strong. They are the reason for the success of an organisation.

Joggers - They do their job, and have marginal success. They try to keep up, occasionally sprint, but don't maintain a strong level of effort. They seek to draw attention to themselves as a form of self-validation.

Walkers - These individuals are being pulled by the bus, tripping over their feet and complaining, 'Why are we going so fast?' They talk negatively about the business and spread bad energy.

Riders - They are dead weight, and cause constant issues. They don't care about overall or personal success.

Drivers - The job of the driver is paramount. The driver must steer the bus to the appropriate destination and ensure that all of the passengers are pushing themselves accordingly.

Ron Clark draws on his educational experience to show how leaders in all professions can foster the spirit of the runners to allow them to guide the bus, ultimately pushing it as quickly and efficiently towards success as possible.