Sailboats are can seem like simple modes of transport. They can’t generate forward motion and they rely on the wind to propel them. They require a lot of manual labor in terms of getting them to stay afloat. They are small and not exactly the most comfortable places to be on the water.
When you compare them to ocean liners, there isn’t any contest. Ocean liners have powerful engines and can travel very quickly. They require minimal human labor to get the ship started. And they allow passengers to ride in the utmost comfort.
But there’s one thing that separates the two. Their speed in changing directions. Sailboats are more flexible.
If a captain examines the wind conditions, checks to see his current location, and decides that he needs to change directions, then he wants a sailboat. Because you can be more flexible with the changing information.
As leaders, you will face new data constantly. At some point, you will realize that the path that you were pursuing was the wrong one. And that you may have to rapidly change course. In those situations, you better have the flexibility of thought like a sailboat.
But it’s not a natural thing for us. We hate change even though change is the only constant. We appreciate when people are consistent in their ideas and their plans. We call people who change their minds regularly, “flip floppers” and “two-faced”.
And yet, there are times when we need to change course. We will need to be flexible. We will need to be sailboats instead of ocean liners.
In the face of new data, which one are you?
A New Source Code 