Great leadership looks easy when it’s smooth sailing and everybody’s happy. It’s during storms that a leader’s true colors are revealed.
The environment that both a boat and business operate in is constantly changing—the physical environment of wind, waves and weather; the competitive environment; and the economic and regulatory environment. Both the business leader and boat skipper must exercise choice and control over some elements and adjust to those elements over which they have no control. Good leaders, like good sailors anticipate when conditions are about to change.
Sometimes, all that is needed is a minor tweak is. Other times, a major change of sail or direction is required.
These adjustments have to be identified and executed quickly if the boat or business is to maintain its forward momentum. Even a few seconds delay can mean the difference between winning and losing. The skipper best able to anticipate changing conditions and effectively adjust for them is the one that comes out ahead.
Company and crew each have to develop a short-term strategy for each individual race, a medium-term strategy for a weekend regatta, and a long-term strategy for the entire season of racing. Without a clearly articulated strategy, a boat or business merely reacts to whatever comes along.
Speed alone will not win the race if the wrong strategic choice is made, or if the boat or business sails in the wrong direction. And perfect strategy and tactics cannot overcome slow speed. Winning requires a mastery of all these elements: preparation, strategy, boat handling, speed and tactics.
Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm. Leadership is a foul-weather job. What sets you apart from your competitors is how you perform during the tough times.
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