Compasses point true north and help us stay on our chosen path, no matter what's happening around us. They're not disrupted by environmental changes--but they can't tell us anything about those changes, and sometimes that's important information. Weathervanes are buffeted by the wind, turning to and fro and occasionally spinning in circles. They can't guide us to a destination, but they can tell us a lot about how difficult the trip might be, what we might encounter along the way, and if we should be traveling at all.
The compass is a popular metaphor for leadership--we value its steadfastness and reliability, and we want our leaders to exhibit those same qualities. The weathervane sometimes symbolizes bad leadership--we're skeptical of leaders who are too easily swayed and seem to lack conviction. But the most effective leaders integrate aspects of both: They have a clearly defined perspective, a set of values they strive to uphold, and the courage to make hard choices and unpopular decisions. But they're also aware of prevailing sentiments in their environment, open to alternative points of view, and able to adapt when necessary.
So the question isn't "What kind of leader should I be?" but rather "What kind of leadership is called for at this moment--and am I capable of summoning it?"
Perspective
- What are the most important issues I face as a leader?
- What are the most important issues we face as an organization?
- What do I think should be done?
- How well do my colleagues understand my point of view?
- When I've been misunderstood, how have I contributed to the misunderstanding?
Values
- What do I stand for as a leader?
- How clearly have I articulated these values to others?
- How accurately could my colleagues describe my values if necessary?
- How do my values guide my behavior and influence my decisions?
- The last time a value became a disadvantage, what sacrifices did I make to uphold it?
Courage
- How do I determine "the right thing to do" in a given situation?
- What role does the opinion of others play in this process?
- What happens when I encounter resistance from a powerful figure?
- What happens when I encounter resistance from a crowd?
- The last time I had to stand alone, what did I do?
Awareness
- How do I learn what people around me are thinking and feeling?
- How often do I update this data?
- How often am I surprised by what I learn?
- Do people volunteer their views to me, or do I have to solicit them?
- If I have to solicit someone's views, how might I be making them reluctant to volunteer?
Openness
- How often do I hear points of view that differ from my own?
- How direct and candid are people when they disagree with me?
- How do I respond to them when that happens?
- How would the people who disagree with me characterize these interactions?
- When did someone last disagree with me in public?
Adaptability
- How do I know when a change is needed?
- How do I know when a change is overdue?
- When I've resisted an overdue change, how did I justify the delay?
- When did I last I change my mind in public?
- When did I last I admit that I was wrong in public?
For Further Reading
Developing Your Professional Vision