Knowing When To Move Forward and When To Draw Back
Even experienced leaders sometimes attempt to push ahead when they should step back. In a way, it makes sense — it is a sign they are focused on their goals. The question is: Are they on the right path for those goals or have they strayed off track ?
You and your team are working together to accomplish something. Hopefully, something great: Something you would never be able to do alone. It's your vision of success.
Your vision should be big. It should be something you can never lose sight of — even if you're faced with a tough decision about how to proceed.
Long-term vision is more important than short-term missions. It guides you and informs your leadership decisions. Missions are steps you can take towards that mission.
Thinking Past Par for the Course
I like to think of this in terms of golf. A pro golfer's vision is more than making par. It's more than getting a hole in one. It's about being the best — winning tournaments and becoming the best golfer possible.
This vision of an ideal world makes every decision easier. You rarely see golfers on the PGA Tour end up in worse shape after an overambitious drive - they take the strokes they need to get safely back in play.
In short, drawing back could be the best way to advance your vision. Trying to push forward on a short-term mission could delay your ultimate success.
Knowing the Course, Knowing Yourself
Knowledge is a part of these decisions. Pros know the course they're playing. However, they definitely know their own skill levels — and the best uses for all the clubs in their bag. When they see the opportunity for a hole in one, they take it.
The same goes for great leaders. They know their teams, their leadership skills and often the landscape of their businesses. They move forward — even when drawing back — because everything they do is the best possible option to advance their vision.
Keeping Everyone Focused
It is important everyone on your team owns your vision. Understanding and sharing a definition of success:
· Helps everyone accept necessary compromises,
· Improves morale and
· Keeps people on board, regardless of your temporary direction.
The first step is communicating your vision. Keep it short, clear and, above all, dream big.
Apart from clearly communicating your vision, you could set up cultural practices to support your decisions. For example, if you know you will face many of these types of tough choices as a leader, it would be a good idea to emphasize perseverance, long-term planning and commitment in your group's values.
Like many things in leadership, practice is the key to making these types of decisions. However, there is some good news. Whether you decide to move forward or to step back, both provide an opportunity for you to develop as a leader.
So, should you move forward or draw back? Which would be better for advancing your vision, right now?