Don’t Outrun Your Headlights—Keeping Your Team Aligned with Your Vision
Entrepreneurs face a unique challenge: the ability to see the future and envision what lies ahead. Often, we’re looking far beyond what the rest of the team can see. It’s like being the driver in a high-speed chase—focused, determined, and moving fast. But what happens when you outrun your headlights?
A buddy of mine from the military, after his service, became a police officer in New York. He worked the graveyard shift, which sometimes involved high-speed chases in the dark of night. He once told me, “At 110 miles an hour, even with the high beams on, you begin to outrun your headlights.” In other words, you’re moving so fast that you outpace the distance your headlights can illuminate, leaving you driving into pure darkness. That’s when it gets really scary.
As entrepreneurs, we often find ourselves in a similar situation, stressed, scared, and pushing hard and fast toward our destination. We see the goal clearly and know where we want to go, but at times, we find ourselves outrunning our headlights—in this case, outrunning our team.
The Challenge: Seeing Beyond What Others Can
The team may not see what you see. While you’re looking a thousand yards ahead, they might only be able to see three feet in front of them. This disconnect can be incredibly frustrating for entrepreneurs who are driven, motivated, and often stressed about burning through resources. But this isn’t just a communication problem; it’s a natural dynamic in entrepreneurship. Leaders are wired to think about the big picture, long-term goals, and the vision of what could be. Meanwhile, teams are often more focused on immediate tasks, day-to-day challenges, and the present moment. This focus is valuable for managing current operations, but it can become a barrier when it hinders the company’s ability to adapt and transition into future growth or scale.
How to Keep Your Team Aligned
1. Teach Everyone What They’re Driving
Before expecting your team to move forward with you, ensure they understand what they’re driving. Take the time to teach and train them on their roles, responsibilities, and how their work contributes to the overall mission and how the companies success can benefit them as well. When everyone knows what vehicle they’re in and how to operate it, they’re more likely to move in the same direction at a pace that keeps the team together. Don’t assume your team knows where to go—guide them, mentor them, and provide the tools they need to succeed.
2. Balance Effectiveness with People and Tasks
Success in business isn’t just about focusing on outcomes; it’s also about being effective with people. This means fostering strong relationships, offering support, and communicating clearly and consistently. Every team member has their strengths, weaknesses, and pace. By prioritizing effectiveness in your interactions, you create a culture where everyone feels valued and understood, leading to better performance and a more cohesive team. Show kindness and understanding while inclusively driving toward your goals, and your team will be more willing and able to keep up with you.
3. Choose Quality Progress Over Perfection and Speed
In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, it’s easy to get caught up in one of two opposing philosophies: the pursuit of perfection, which can slow down progress and frustrate the team, or choosing speed over quality, which can lower standards and frustrate customers. Instead, focus on making consistent, incremental progress while maintaining quality standards. Celebrate small wins, learn from mistakes, and keep moving forward. This approach keeps your team motivated and ensures that you’re not leaving anyone behind in the pursuit of an unattainable ideal or a hastily achieved goal that sacrifices quality.
The Takeaway: Keep Your Team in the Light
Entrepreneurship is a journey, not a race. While your instinct may drive you to push forward at full speed, remember that a successful journey requires a team that’s moving in the same direction at a sustainable pace. Keep an eye on the horizon, but don’t forget to ensure your headlights—and your team—are shining bright enough to guide the way. By teaching everyone what they’re driving, balancing effectiveness with people and tasks, and choosing quality progress over perfection, you can lead your team confidently into the future without leaving anyone behind.