Are you on course and can you still see the path? If not, now what?
We are all familiar with utilizing our navigation systems, Google Map etc. to help us reach our destinations. Sometimes with voice and sometimes not. We set a destination and just follow the yellow or blue line accordingly.
However, occasionally we touch the map here or there to see what else is around us and/or where we are heading. Then boom we lose the line. Some panic with two fingers and try and find where our dot is and some simply hit the “Re-center” button. Then all is well and we are back on track.
We often times drive and lead on auto-pilot and believe we will eventually arrive at our destination. Our attention does not come into focus unless we find ourselves at the wrong location.
Getting Back on Track
So, when you get lost or distracted how do you find your true self again and do it quickly? Those you lead are following you so the timing in which this transition happens is critical, or several hours and thousands of dollars are wasted. When this happens, feelings can be overwhelming. As mentioned, you can lose the line of direction, hit the button and everything comes back in focus when you are driving. But when you are leading and everyone assumes you know, then what?
Knowing and Understanding the Process
What is your ‘Google map’ for leadership? What steps are you taking in your daily role as a leader to continue on the right path while seeing the other necessary views? Consider the following, keep the primary objectives and success factors close to you at all times. Maintain integrity around the decisions you make and have the courage to know which suggestions may not be in alignment with core objectives and primary direction. Ask others for the valued opinion before the situation gets critical. Ask others to look around for alternate routes throughout the journey to be sure this path is the ‘best’ path. You are not on the journey alone and will have multiple eyes on the lookout for you who may have taken the path before and can offer recommendations. Use and believe in your team!
Meanwhile, continually encourage those who follow to be ready to drive or lead a portion of the journey and share with them the tools that have served you to this point. Encourage them along the way to use what serves them the best as well. Then trust your instincts to truly hand them the wheel.
Being able to re-center quickly is a gift for some and an art for others. Leaders who demonstrate clarity of their vision and the path to get there achieve outstanding results from those they lead. Some of their paths of leadership were unchartered and/or in unknown territory, yet they were known to be successful. Is this or will this be you?
How will you lead others to be better at re-centering as they may not be following as close as you believe. Drive and lead safely.
“Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there.” ~ Will Rogers
In service,
Greg
Dig deeper on the topic:
5 Things Leaders Must Do to Stay on Top
4 ways the most organized leaders stay on track
2 thoughts on “Re-Center”
This is a good one Greg relative to what I do in the work with my clients. I may piggy back on this one and if I do I will appropriately give you credit for the inspiration and let you read before I send out just to make sure I adequately give you the credit you deserve for your idea. By the way, no pressure or persuasion, but if you have interest in attending the GLS again, let me know. I can’t think of a better person to share a ticket with.
Please do piggy back and use it to serve those you work with. I would love to go with you to GLS again this year. Thanks Mo.