i-lead.com by International Leadership Associates

More Journal Entries Printable Version
Leadership Journal 
November 11, 2002
Adventure

You are in the midst of a great adventure. The journey of leadership does not insure what you will find around the bend. Your actions should move you successfully to the next bend, but there is no guarantee what is beyond it. Life’s map is just not that clear.

Consider Merriweather Lewis and William Clark. Their expedition may have been the most adventurous journey of our country’s early history. They knew very little about the land purchased by Thomas Jefferson from France in 1803. But, they were excited, overwhelmed and committed to the adventure. The only thing that was relatively clear to them was the destination. Every journey has a destination. For Lewis and Clark, it was the Pacific Ocean. The beautiful Pacific Ocean was their vision.

The lack of clarity came as they were mapping their journey. Lewis and Clark were told that “the land beyond the big river has volcanoes, giraffes, lions and tigers.” Jefferson always believed there was a Northwest passage to the Pacific Ocean. It would have mountainous terrain, rivers to forge and unusual people to deal with. They questioned what to bring along with them. As they focused on their vision, it crystallized their thoughts about the map and the tools required to achieve success. Without vision, the ideal we are trying to achieve remains out of focus and not a factor in inspiring people to join you on the adventure. The confidence that vision instills allows you and your team to board the rafts and get started.

So, as you are sitting at your desk, thinking about the day, please consider the following, important questions:

  • Where are you going? What is your destination? What does your personal journey look like?
     
  • After your destination is defined, identify the map to achieving your vision. What does the map look like? How does each stop move you to your destination? Is there a purpose for each stop?
     
  • Are your people excited about the adventure? Do they understand the vision? What can you do to bring clarity to the destination?

 



- Home Page - About ILA - Articles - Leadership Journal - Programs & Services - Success Stories -
- Assessments / Instruments - Continuing Development - Leadership Model - Partners - Contact Us -

All materials Copyright © 1999-2007 International Leadership Associates. All rights reserved.
No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without written permission of International Leadership Associates.