Navigate the Road Ahead

Written by Dave Rothacker on December 9, 2021

In his book The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, John Maxwell paints a vivid picture of what it means to plan and prepare. He tells the 1911 story of two different groups of explorers vying to be the first to the South Pole.

One group leader, Roald Amundsen, planned meticulously. His diligence in studying the landscape and indigenous people of the area, the intricate details he covered in preparation together with top of the line gear and those he chose for his team, not only allowed the group to reach the South Pole, but to survive the trip home.

The other group leader, Robert Falcon Scott, did not prepare and plan as carefully. Although they did eventually reach the South Pole, not one man survived the return trip home.

Maxwell calls it The Law of Navigation: Anyone can steer the ship, but it takes a leader to chart the course.

Here is an outline of a successful leader’s journey. Navigators:

  • Draw on past experience
  • Examine the conditions before making commitments
  • Listen to what others have to say
  • Make sure their conclusions represent both faith and fact

Maxwell believes there are four kinds of people that leaders encounter:

  • People who never see it - they are wanderers
  • People who see it but never pursue it on their own - they are followers
  • People who see it and pursue it - they are achievers
  • People who see it, pursue it and help others see and pursue it - they are leaders

Who are you helping others to see and pursue!?

The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership - The book in which to begin building your leadership foundation on. As we’ve seen here, every person in your company is in need of fundamental leadership education. Go here to sign up.

Developing the Leader Within 2.0 - I recommend this mastermind if you’ve already taken The 21 Irrefutable Laws mastermind. Go here to sign up.