Image Credit: Depositphotos

This series covers the 12 Habits of Effective Entrepreneurs. Click here to view previous articles.

Habit #9 – Navigation

In world history, the Age of Exploration began with a small group of navigators who dared to venture outside the normal realms of society, both logistically and ideologically. They challenged popular opinion that said the world was flat and discovered new continents. Our knowledge of earth today was founded in the actions of these ancient navigators.

Leaders who navigate also have a critical role in today’s modern times. In fact, this leadership habit is essential in today’s tumultuous climate.

The role of a navigator is to lead, guide, and direct. It requires planning, agility, quick decision-making skills, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication. A navigator is also keenly aware, at all times, of the “true north” of his instruments.

And so it is that navigation is a key habit for entrepreneurs. As such, it does not just happen; it must be honed and polished across a lifetime in order to obtain and maintain a clear sense of direction.

How can you practice this habit of navigation?

Plan Regularly

Plan regularly and for each horizon. Plan for long-range vision, and plan for annual objectives. Plan for each quarter, month, week, and day in such a way that you are targeting those objectives, even to the level of daily actions.

Analyze Deeply

A navigator must be able to look at instruments, numbers, environments, and teams in order to quickly and thoroughly assess a situation. This requires focus and attention. And it requires the habitual practice of “reading the room” for anything that could be a potential danger or benefit to the mission.

Recalibrate Frequently

Just as important as planning is the regular practice of recalibrating. Reflect at the end of each time horizon (whether it be daily, weekly, monthly, or annually) to be sure you are on track. And here’s the important thing: the more you check your calibration, the smaller the adjustments you will need to make. Letting an issue coast to a bigger horizon can make what would have been a small course adjustment a major crisis.

Practice Agility

Whereas recalibration comes with a natural deviation, practicing agility is more a matter of looking ahead and pro-actively charting a course that will work around and through obstacles and challenges. A good navigator can see the plan, be aware of the dangers ahead, and make quick decisions as to how to proceed through the turbulence.

Communicate Clearly

In a navigator’s world, there is no room for mistakes in communication. One small degree could result in a major deviation from the targeted goal. A navigational leader must work diligently to be clear in communications with their team. This gives perspective from each vantage point.

How are you leading in each of these navigational areas?

Do you have regular planning sessions with your team? Do you set goals for each time horizon?

Do you take time to focus on and analyze the information channels in your business? Do you pay attention to the needs of your team? Are you aware of the environment, both inside your business and outside of it?

Do you take time regularly to recognize the efforts of your team members or to have the difficult conversations that will adjust course on a small scale and before it becomes a bigger issue?

Do you anticipate the turbulence ahead and prepare yourself, your team, and the business for it? Are you agile when it comes to developing and implementing solutions?

Do you communicate frequently and clearly with your team at all levels? Are you receiving clear communication from them as to status and perspective?

Your team is depending on you to lead, guide, and direct. Are you practicing the Navigation habit?

As the CEO of Strength Leader Development, Deb Ingino is a highly sought-after international executive mentor, coach, trainer, and speaker. Deb is well versed in global business operations and helps business leaders and their teams to discover and leverage their strengths, so they can create highly collaborative teams that deliver great results. With a refreshingly direct style, and using the Maxwell Method, Deb helps leaders and teams to deliver profitable results. Connect with Deb to learn more about her mentorship and coaching programs to equip you with advanced strategies to elevate your results