Do you follow a compass or a roadmap?
I recently read a classic leadership book that compared these two styles in leaders; the roadmap follower was characterized as more “analog” and linear, where the compass follower was more emotionally-driven, and open to changes direction. A balance of both seems to be optimal, even if you inherently lean to one or the other.
Contextually:
The Compass approach is good:
When navigating uncertain or rapidly changing environments
For setting overall direction and vision
When innovation and new paths are needed
To stay true to core values and principles
The compass approach offers several key advantages:
Flexibility: It allows leaders to adapt quickly to changing circumstances, which is crucial in volatile or uncertain environments.
Innovation: By focusing on direction rather than a fixed path, it encourages creative problem-solving and new approaches.
Resilience: When unexpected obstacles arise, a compass approach helps maintain overall direction without being derailed by specific setbacks.
Vision-driven: It keeps the focus on long-term goals and core values, preventing short-term distractions from compromising the overall mission.
Empowerment: It gives team members more autonomy to find their own ways to reach objectives, potentially increasing engagement and motivation.
Adaptability: In fast-changing fields like technology or startups, a compass approach allows for pivoting strategies as new information emerges.
The compass approach is particularly valuable when the path to success isn't clear or when the environment is too complex for detailed planning. It provides guidance while allowing for the discovery of unforeseen opportunities along the way.
The Roadmap approach:
For executing well-defined strategies
When clear milestones and timelines are crucial
In stable environments with predictable challenges
To coordinate complex projects with multiple stakeholders
Effective leaders often use both, employing a compass to set direction and a roadmap to guide execution. The balance depends on the specific context and objectives.
Balancing the compass approach with more structured planning is crucial for effective leadership. Here's how leaders can strike this balance:
Use the compass for vision, and the roadmap for execution. Set overall direction and goals using the compass approach, then develop detailed plans and milestones for implementation
Regularly reassess, and periodically review if the current path aligns with the overall direction.Be willing to adjust plans if they no longer serve the core vision.
Create plans with built-in flexibility, and include alternative scenarios and contingencies
Combine short-term structure with long-term adaptability, by using detailed plans for immediate tasks and near-future goals. Keep long-term plans more fluid and directional
Foster a culture of agility, by encouraging your team to think both strategically and tactically. Promote adaptability while maintaining focus on key objectives.
Communicate effectively, by clearly articulating the overall vision (compass) to all stakeholders and by providing detailed guidance (roadmap) for specific initiatives.
The key is to maintain a clear sense of direction while remaining adaptable in how you reach your destination. This balanced approach allows you to stay true to your core purpose while effectively navigating change and new opportunity.
