I’ve been sailing for over 15 years now. My family humoured my passion and joined me on annual multi-day sailing trips in the San Juan and Gulf Islands in Washington State and British Columbia over 10 years. Standing at the helm, I’ve often thought about how sailing is an apt metaphor for the skilled navigation needed by a CEO and Leadership Team of social impact organizations. Like a captain and crew navigating a sailboat through rough seas and unseen hazards, leaders of mission-driven organizations must chart a course using a compass, set a destination and clear goals, and execute their plan with skill and flexibility to achieve their desired impact.
The Need for an Effective Crew
One of the critical components of a successful sailing voyage is a skilled and cohesive crew. Similarly, social impact organizations require a cohesive and effective Leadership Team based on high levels of trust and accountability so that they perform at a high level and collectively navigate the organization to its destination and strategic goals and reach its mission-driven impact. A cohesive team can help identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that the organization may face and work collaboratively to find solutions to complex problems. With a clear understanding of their respective roles and responsibilities, an effective leadership team can chart the best route and navigate the boat safely toward the organization's strategic goals and mission.
Charting a Course
Before setting sail, the captain and leadership need to agree on charting a course based on the boat's capabilities, the weather conditions, any hazards, and clarity on the desired destination. In the same way, leaders of social impact organizations must intentionally discern their organization's vision, mission, beliefs, and values to chart a course that reaches the goals and destination. This requires a deep understanding of the organization's internal and external environments, as well as a clear understanding of the missional impact the organization seeks to achieve.
Setting Focused Goals
Once the course towards a destination has been charted using a compass, the captain and crew create focus by setting goals for the journey, including the distance to be covered, understanding the tides and currents, measuring speed, and providing an expected arrival time. Similarly, Leadership Teams of social impact organizations need to create a compelling strategy, and clear measurable goals aligned with the organization's mission and vision. The annual and quarterly goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. The goals should be communicated to the crew and all stakeholders to ensure buy-in and commitment.
Rhythm and Execution
With a clear course and goals in place, the Captain and crew set sail with rhythms of checking in and watches that provide crew cohesion so that they execute their route efficiently, safely, and with delight while adjusting their course as needed to account for changes in the weather, wind direction, hazards and other vessels. Similarly, leaders of social impact organizations execute their plans with focus, regularly monitoring progress and adjusting course as necessary to account for changes in the internal and external environments. This requires regular communication and collaboration among the Leadership Team and stakeholders to ensure alignment and accountability.
Conclusion
Sailing is an art that requires skill, teamwork, and precision to achieve the desired outcome. Similarly, leading a social impact organization requires an effective Leadership Team, a clear route charted using a compass, focused goals, and an organizational rhythm that allows the team to execute with ease and confidence. By using sailing as a metaphor for an organization's voyage, the leadership team can chart strategy, planning, goal setting, and rhythms and execute to achieve their organization's mission-driven impact.
Do you have an organizational compass and route charted? We can help you find clarity and chart your way towards organizational health and increasing your impact. Book a free strategy call here.
Footnotes:
Do you need a compass? 6Levers is a great tool and our team is certified! https://www.6levers.co/
Strategy Tool: https://www.jimcollins.com
Smart Goals: https://www.atlassian.com/blog/productivity/how-to-write-smart-goals/amp
Misti Hurst: November 23, 2023
