DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING?

Sometimes getting to a destination can be tricky, especially if you have never been there before, so a map is vital to assist you in that task. If you don’t have a map or a guide of some sort, you could jeopardize the trip by arriving late or getting lost. If your traveling involves bringing others along, then it is important that their confidence in your navigating skills is maintained, the experience enjoyable, and the trip a success. Equally so, a leader must be able to take his followers from the starting point to the ending point without having lost perspective along the way. Every leader’s success is contingent upon understanding what is at stake and executing a plan of action to get you there. In business it is very much the same. If you want to take the company or department on a winning road, then you must map out the route carefully. Its director should communicate the vision to every team member precisely.

Leaders also need to recognize the knowledge, creativity, and tolerance level of every person involved. Once this is done and you have carefully selected your group, then and only then are you to assign important projects to them. But be sure that they have all the tools necessary to handle the task and accomplish the overall business goals.  Most importantly, help then to believe that no matter what obstacle may be ahead the objective will be accomplished.

Still, your job does not end there. Remember that a good leader is also a good coach!  Make sure you are available for your team. Whether physically or just a phone call away, be available for teaching and mentoring at all times. Don’t delegate your leadership role to anyone!  Remember that you are leading the charge and it’s your responsibility to finish with victory.

I will conclude by saying that without a map that charts the path a leader will fail miserably. I caution you not to start your endeavors until everything is thoroughly mapped out. Set your travels knowing that you have packed your ideas carefully, filled your tank with knowledge, and cleaned the windshield to see what is ahead of you. When proper measures are taken there are no boundaries that can keep you from arriving at your destination.