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The Power of Direction\u00a0is often an under-appreciated leadership power.\u00a0The best results occur when there is a clear direction that is universally understood by everyone.<\/p>\n
When you are in a leadership position, others are looking to you for direction.\u00a0When things are calm,\u00a0<\/strong>much\u00a0<\/strong>like the waters in the photo, direction may not appear to be as critical.<\/strong><\/p>\n This photo was taken in Cook’s Bay in Tahiti. \u00a0This was the time when the crew made sure we had plenty of fruity drinks to give us that vacation vibe.<\/strong> \u00a0Just when everyone was feeling pretty calm and playful, the crew began the journey to the Pacific Ocean.<\/p>\n It was then that the shared direction was so evident. \u00a0The crew pulled together to navigate according to plan to get us into the ocean. What was a surprise to us – high, unforgiving seas – was not a surprise to the crew. \u00a0They worked in unison to execute the direction that was previously agreed upon and practiced. \u00a0It was this leadership and flawless execution (at least that is how it looked to us as passengers) that gave us all confidence to enjoy the cruise as much as possible without allowing the less than smooth seas to affect our excursion.<\/p>\n When you lead, you need to exhibit this same sense of direction to those who look to you for that guidance. It is important for each team member to be rowing in the same direction or executing their part of the mission in a way that allows the desired outcome to take shape. Here are a few things that can help you exhibit that sense of direction.<\/p>\n [Tweet “As the\u00a0leader, you set the tone for the rest of the crew to do what they each do best.”]<\/p>\n WHY IS CLEAR COMMUNICATION SO IMPORTANT?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n When you are sharing a direction for a project, division, or\u00a0company, it is imperative that your employees at a certain level and above understand the “why”. In my past career, I had tried to get my team behind a huge outsourcing effort, but was not being successful in getting them on board.<\/p>\n When I shared the “why”, and how it tied into the company’s overall strategy, I started to get some buy-in. \u00a0I even shared “you can either help shape how this works, or you can allow it to happen to you”. That was the turning point for me and my team. I communicated a couple of points very clearly:<\/p>\n Once I shared the direction and the “why”, we all started rowing in the same direction – toward the same goal.<\/p>\n It is not enough to simply state the direction and the “why”. You have to be proactive to address both the questions that arise as well as the concerns. How often have you followed a direction and not questioned it? Particularly when you begin to undertake some action and it leads to more questions than answers? Here are some final points to help you follow-up and stay on track:<\/p>\n Do you want to be more effective\u00a0as a leader? The Power of Direction\u00a0can\u00a0offer you a better chance at more effective and successful outcomes.<\/strong><\/p>\n [Tweet “Powerful and effective leaders\u00a0master the ability to set direction.”]<\/p>\n MORE COMPLETE UNDERSTANDING OF THE DIRECTION LEADS TO BETTER RESULTS<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n When you are successful in communicating your direction, you will see better results in your initiatives. This is not an easy exercise. It take commitment, awareness, and continued support of your team members.<\/p>\n Wouldn’t it be great if your people were\u00a0even more committed to achieving the results you need?<\/strong><\/p>\n This is what the power of direction\u00a0in your leadership can do for you.<\/strong><\/p>\n WHAT ARE YOU PREPARED TO DO?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I hope you will try some of these techniques. These\u00a0suggestions should help by\u00a0enhancing your ability to set and execute direction and I hope you will see great results.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
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