Journey Into Strategy: Lessons in Leadership and Life

Most leadership principles come under the heading of common sense, but people don't or won't believe that: don't, because they don't believe it can be that simple, or won't, because if it's really as simple as it sounds, why do we have so many experts out there trying to tell us what it really means? In my experience, it's not the complicated things that get missed in a position of leadership; it's the simple things. For example:

• Developing a clear and concise vision and communicating it to stakeholders on whom it will have an impact.
• Recognizing and accepting your current reality.
• Developing a strategic plan that outlines requirements, responsibilities, and timing to close the gap between today's reality and the future desired state.

In my opinion, it's not much more complex than that. The "science" of business leadership can be as simple as reading a transit map, as understanding a schedule, as planning a trip. As easy as understanding what leaves riders satisfied or dissatisfied and employees engaged.