The great Scottish historian Thomas Carlyle once wrote, “Nothing is more terrible than activity without insight.”
This is especially true today, as we grapple with the problems posed by continual change.
Problems which make it difficult to foresee, let alone control, the near-term future.
In response, many leaders have taken an impulsive, fear-driven route.
They ignore their brand–their inspiring purpose and unique point of view.
And rely instead on fire-fighting and command and control.
And their people have naturally responded by going through the daily motions and camouflaging problems.
There are no fresh perspectives, since a culture of fear stifles creativity and candid discussions.
I heard someone once compare a lack of organizational focus to hitting a thick fog while driving.
We tense up and slow down.
We become a two-fisted driver.
We turn down the music and order people to be quiet.
We lean forward to get a few more inches “out there,” looking for little markers to get us through the present “situation.”
And what happens when the fog lifts?
We relax and speed up to make up for lost time.
Well, here’s the problem: the fog is not going to lift this time.
It’s now a permanent part of the business environment (kind of like South Scotland).
You can either be timid and anxious and hope you “get there.”
Or you can embrace the fog, get your people and customers on board, step on the gas, crank up the tunes, and enjoy the ride.
Which ride you choose is entirely up to you.
I know which ride I’d choose.