Put away your map and grab a compass

I love maps. I love globes. I love seeing where I’ve been and where I want to go. But maps are not the friend of the leader, innovator and entrepreneur.  If you are looking at a map, it means you’re managing not leading.  The essence of a map is that someone has already been there and the map can prove it.  Leading requires you to go somewhere no one has been before. There are no maps to lead into the unknown.

As a leader, innovator or entrepreneur, what you need is a compass. So, toss the idea of a map and start looking for a compass. A compass points you in a certain direction, that’s it. When you are out in front, this is the tool you need to lead. The most accurate compass will point to true north every time.  Your job is then to lead in a way that stays on the path of true north by walking where the compass is pointing.

Decide what North is for you in the areas of your life and then find a compass to point you in that direction and get going. Find north for your character and get going. Find north for your marriage and keep going. Find north for your business and keep going.

A compass will not show you what is around the bend like a map. But a map is not for leaders. Ditch the map. Get a compass. Find north and start going!