How do you get from A to B?
You take a road that already exists.
How do you get from A to B if only A is known and defined? B is unknown and undefined? And B is likely to change whether it’s where it’s found or what it includes for your organization.
These are the challenges leaders and organizations face today. Successful leaders find solutions for the first challenge. A single solution, really. That single solution is creating a culture of learning, as Gary Harpst, author of Six Disciplines For Excellence described it here.
But their success insures bigger challenges arrive on their doorstep. That unknown is B. B, and reaching B, are coincidentally enough their greatest opportunities for continued success.
Here are the three steps a leader takes to build the road to the unknown, from Point A where they are now to Point B….where they have grown and thrived…in the future.
Build the Road
Build it smoothly; build it smooth. Build a freeway, an autobahn. Clearly mark the lanes. Build entrance ramps all along the way. Include exit ramps…Ultimately, everyone takes one.
And why. The first two sentences should make that clear. Go no farther on this road until that is clear to you and everyone who will drive this road with you. Build signs marking progress and miles yet to go. They are rewards in themselves. They also challenge.
Maintain the Road
That includes road crews to help disabled cars on this road.
Now, that it’s built…keep it clear in the winter: plow it, ice it. Put warning signs up if you need.
Adjust the speed limits. Put grooves in the surface to help traction. Use the best materials to build and to replace.
Add more lanes. Shorten the route.
Get Out of the Way
Now that the direction is clear, the road is smooth, you keep it smooth and safe for the fastest driving in all conditions…get out of the way. Now….let everyone drive as fast as they can. Now, the road is theirs.
Now you have a culture of learning led by a culture of drivers. THEY drive you to your destination.
Zane Safrit
www.zanesafrit.com
www.zanesafritradio.com
