Compass and Map

The idea in which I proposed recently, the metaphor of someone with a compass and a map as a "leader" appealed to many whom I have spoken to.

The compass signifies the mission and the values of the person. Armed with both a mission and also a set of values, this person now has a "true north" that guides her actions. Meaning to say, whether she will or will not participates in certain activities will be guided by her "true north", or in other words whether these activities are aligned to her mission and values.

The map represents the path she would take to arrive at her destination. That destination would be her vision, her end in mind, or what she would like to create. That vision will also need to be aligned to her mission and values. Or put it differently, in other to fulfill her mission, she will need to reach her vision. Of course the underlying assumption here is that a leader would have a vision, for the Bible says, where there is no vision, the people will perish.

So, the idea that the map is not the territory means that even with the best laid plans, she might have to change course or navigate around some 'mountains' and 'rivers' to reach her destination. That is not to sound pessimistic but rather to be realistic and pragmatic.

The fundamental flaw in this concept lies in the lack of involving others. As an Afghan proverb puts it succinctly, "if you think you are leading but no one is following you, then you're only talking a walk". This was why we discussed about the issue of BIG dreams in "A Game for Two".

In other to enlist the help of others in achieving our vision, that "end in mind" must be BIG, in the sense that others can participate in, and participate meaningfully too. If it is just to enrich ourselves, often times we will be taking a walk. Or even when people join us in that journey, very likely they will not be in your company for long.