Propeller and Rudder

You can’t steer a ship that isn’t already moving in some direction. Think about it. The propeller must be spinning and a ship must be in motion in order to affect the direction in which it is traveling.

This principle is true in life and leadership as well, yet so often we miss it.

I’ve come across many people who are waiting for life (or God) to show them which direction to take next. Unfortunately, if you’re not already moving, you can’t be steered. Instead, you need to be “started.” And that is a topic for another time.

Bow Thruster

I have a cousin-in-law who is an expert in cruise ships. And he tells me that modern cruise ships do not have to have forward momentum to be steered. They have what are called “bow thruster” that can move and seer the ship from a stationary position. But even so, the bow thrusters have to get the ship moving in order to accomplish the purpose of steering the ship.

If you’re looking for direction in your life, health, finances, relationships, parenting or any other aspect of your life, don’t sit around waiting for a miraculous neon sign to point you in the right direction. Get moving! And get a “coach” or “navigator” to help you navigate and steer once your ship is moving.

What is the Leadership Lesson here?

Cruise Ships at Dock

Get Moving – Sitting around waiting for something to happen rarely succeeds. You don’t need to dart off in a random direction or make major and life-changing directional changes. But do get moving and do get some momentum.

Get Some Guidance – Get yourself a coach or mentor to help you begin to make those little course corrections that are possible once you embark on a course. Look around and you will find experts who have navigated these waters before you. Reach out to a more experienced “captain” and ask them to take a look at your course and offer suggestions that will keep you away from the dangerous rocks and reefs.

Get Committed – Ships have not been the mode of transportation chosen for their blinding speed for more than 100 years. But they will get you where you need to be and they can get you there in comfort and style. But you will need to be committed to the long haul. The boat that gets you there fastest is often the one with the most potential for danger.

Leadership Voices, LLC has several well-qualified “captains” to help you steer your ship. Reach out to us and let us get you connected to one of our coaches.

Photo credit: Markus Brinkmann / Foter / CC BY-SA
Photo credit: Foter / CC BY-SA
Photo credit: Foter / CC BY-SA