The compass serves as a powerful metaphor for leadership and decision-making, offering reliable direction without the complications of modern technology. Rob Powell explores how this simple tool can teach us about avoiding strategic drift and making small corrections to stay true to our purpose.
• Compasses work without batteries, Wi-Fi, or updates - they simply point north
• Even a few degrees off course (magnetic declination) can send you miles in the wrong direction over time
• "Strategic drift" happens when businesses gradually stray from their original mission
• Leadership isn't always about big moves but small corrections that keep you aligned
• Direction matters more than speed - you can move quickly while heading the wrong way
• Regular compass checks mean asking if decisions align with goals or are just distractions
• Making small corrections now prevents explaining poor choices later
Find your compass and if you're heading in the wrong direction, at least do it with snacks or a good cup of coffee.