ANCHORING YOUR VISION IN THE MOMENT

Vision is a recurring theme in these newsletters, and for good reason: It's the cornerstone of creating, running, and scaling a damn good, if not great, company. Without a compelling vision, you can’t know where you’re going, let alone how you are going to get there. So as founders, our vision remains at the center of everything we do — but it’s vital that this vision is considered within context.

Understanding the moment you’re in (economically, culturally, or otherwise) helps frame your vision and position your company to make the right decisions that don’t just align with the vision but also make sense for the present moment. From market changes to societal shifts and internal weaknesses, there is no shortage of unexpected challenges for founders. Staying vigilant can help prevent your organization from entering crisis mode when the unexpected happens.

Read more in Reconciling Vision and the Moment We’re In. 

Developing your leadership and delegation skills over time is going to make you more acutely aware of the moment you’re in, regardless of what Stage of Development your company is currently in.

In the blog, I make the comparison between piloting a dinghy and an ocean liner. As your ship gets larger and more complex, you’re likely too busy to have a hands-on approach to every rock, riptide, or sea monster that threatens to capsize your entire operation. Here lies the true power and importance of having the right crew on board.

PERSPECTIVES

“If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time.” — Zig Ziglar

“To acquire knowledge, one must study; but to acquire wisdom, one must observe.” ― Marilyn vos Savant

MARK MY WORDS

Selecting the right crew is a skill shared by founders and captains alike. Part of understanding the moment you’re in and adjusting your sails accordingly means knowing when to let your people step in and help steer the ship as you navigate some uncharted and potentially rough waters. Here are some ways to stay in touch with the moment and on top of any potential issues:

• Regularly reassess your company and market conditions to ground plans in reality.
• Build a culture where open feedback is encouraged to surface challenges early.
• Invest in continuous training to keep the team sharp and aligned under pressure.
• Set clear communication processes and channels to streamline responses and reduce confusion.
• Cultivate a problem-solving culture that learns from setbacks and strengthens team adaptability.

It’s easy to become too intent on a distant horizon, but the best captains balance a visionary outlook with an unwavering awareness of the present. The evolution of leadership starts with knowledge and self-confidence, but it’s fueled by the willingness to share responsibility and work alongside a great team that can help guide everyone through whatever moment you’re all in, getting that much closer to your destination.

TUNE IN

Learn about the challenges companies face when transitioning into Stage 4 (Succeed), particularly around leadership structure and organizational alignment. I’m covering the complexities of maintaining company culture and the importance of knowing when to invest in the right people and systems for sustainable growth.