John Maxwell once said, “Anyone can steer the ship, but it takes a leader to chart the course.” This statement perfectly embodies the concept of navigational leadership, which is at the heart of his Law of Navigation from The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.

So why the emphasis on navigation? Because leadership isn’t just about having people follow us—it’s about giving them a clear reason why and showing them where we’re going. That begins with preparation. When we plan well, we send a strong message: “You can trust me to lead us forward.” As Maxwell puts it, “Leaders who are good navigators are capable of taking their people just about anywhere.”(2)

Team members within organizations are on a journey together, and as a result, have to navigate together.

That brings up two critical questions worth reflecting on:

• Where are you taking your people right now?
• How is that direction helping your organization fulfill its mission?

You can’t answer those by accident. Leadership like this demands intention.

Here’s a truth I appreciate from Maxwell’s own story: early in his career, he tried to delegate the “navigation” piece. It didn’t work. Eventually, he had to own it.

To help himself prepare better, he created an acrostic:

• Predetermine a course of action
• Lay out your goals
• Adjust your priorities
• Notify key personnel
• Allow time for acceptance
• Head into action
• Expect problems
• Always point to the successes
• Daily review of your plan

(P.L.A.N.A.H.E.A.D.)

As you look ahead, consider both the acrostic and these four traits of effective navigators:

1. They draw on past experiences
2. They assess conditions before making commitments
3. They listen to others
4. They base decisions on both faith and fact

Which of these feels strong for you? Which could use some attention? And what specific behaviors could help close the gap—for you and your team?

Until next time, keep empowering others and fighting for the highest possible good of those you lead.

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Sources:
(1) “The Law of Navigation.” The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. John C. Maxwell. Thomas Nelson.
(2) Vitasek, Kate. “Maxwell’s Law of Navigation: Be Prepared, Share the Vision.” Vested. 13 Aug. 2014.

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