Leading in a “No Wake Zone”

If you’ve spent any time in a boat, you’ve probably encountered a “no wake zone.” The sign is typically posted in a narrow channel where boats are entering and exiting. It is intended to minimize the waves from boaters, thereby protecting the bulwarks of property owners and other boats that are docked in the immediate vicinity. Does it ever seem like you’re being asked to lead in a “no wake zone”? You are placed in a position of leadership and the expectation is that the organization will move forward, but you’re not supposed to make any waves. Sometimes this is communicated directly: “Lead, but don’t ruffle any feathers.” Sometimes it’s much more subtle – nitpicky challenges to your ideas or people distancing themselves from you. The truth about the boats going in and out of the channel is that if they’re moving at all, they always leave at least a small wake. The same is true of leadership. The only way that you can avoid leaving a wake is to stand still and not move at all, and that’s not leadership. The real question is not how to lead without creating a wake. It’s how much of a wake can you create without damaging the organization. Having a few people who disagree with you, or even depart, is not serious damage. That’s just a normal result of leadership, in the same way that gentle waves brushing against the shore are a necessary part of getting a boat out into the open water. Of course, it is possible to open a boat to full throttle and cause irreparable harm, and the same is true for leaders. This might be a good time to pause and look back over your shoulder. Can you see the wake that you’re creating? If it’s too big, you may need to slow down. On the other hand, if it’s invisible, it may be time to step up in your leadership. It’s easy to receive my blogs by email. Just sign-up on Feedburner by clicking here.]]>