The misdirected airplane
Setting direction and communicating that direction are among the leader’s most important responsibilities. As is the well-timed check-in to make sure the team is still on course. With too many touch points, you’re micromanaging. With too few, you’re setting yourself up for late surprises.
You are not providing turn-by-turn directions. You’re setting the course and making sure everyone stays on it.
Imagine two planes taking off at the same time on parallel runways, bound for the same destination. To the untrained eye, they’re both aimed in exactly the same direction. But one of them is aimed just 10 degrees north of the other.
If both planes stick to their respective courses for the three hours they’re in the air, only one of them will reach its intended destination on time. The other will be hundreds of miles away, over a different city or even a different time zone.
Of course, a modern jetliner’s sophisticated navigation system would prevent this scenario from happening. An experienced pilot with a map and a pencil would work as a backup. But the different city, different time zone scenario happens too often in work.
A member of the team starts out feeling like they’re headed to the right place and pointed in the right direction. Weeks if not months later, the boss says, “No, this isn’t what I had in mind at all.” Both sides are frustrated and wondering about the other’s ability to carry out their respective jobs. And the situation was completely preventable.
Make sure your planes are aimed at the right destination. Verify periodically that they remain on course.
Coaching prompts:
What is your process for getting your staff aligned at the beginning of a new initiative?
How do you provide them the autonomy and flexibility to carry out the work, while staying informed enough to know if they start tracking off course?
This post comes from my first book, Don't Just Have the Soup: 52 Analogies for Leadership, Coaching and Life.
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