EP157: A Leader Can't Lead Until They Know Where They're Going
CLARITY IS KEY
For you, others and your impact!!
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(The notes below are only a brief bullet point summary of what is discussed in the podcast. Be sure to listen to get all of the goodness! If you would like a full transcription of the episode, please send an email request to: angie@angie-robinson.com. We’d be happy to provide that!)
Leadership is often described as a journey, but what happens when you don’t know the destination? Inspired by a quote from the TV series Lost, this concept takes center stage in a recent episode of my podcast, Leadership Magic. The quote from John Locke, one of the show’s main characters, really stuck with me: "A leader can't lead until they know where they're going." This simple statement holds profound truth for leaders in any context, whether they are guiding a team, an organization, or even themselves.
Let’s dive into why this concept is so critical and how you can apply it to your own leadership journey.
Why Knowing Your Destination Matters
Think about taking a road trip with your family. If you don’t know where you’re going, how can you plan the route? How do you know when to turn left or right? And what happens when your passengers keep asking, "Are we there yet?" Without a clear destination, confusion and frustration set in. The same applies to leadership.
When leaders lack clarity, it creates ambiguity and erodes trust. People need to understand where they’re headed, what’s expected of them, and how they contribute to the bigger picture. This clarity is what builds trust, collaboration, and alignment within a team.
Leading Yourself First
Often, we think of leadership as guiding others. But it starts with leading yourself. How can you expect to lead others if you don’t have clarity about your own vision and direction?
Ask yourself:
Who do you want to be as a leader?
What impact do you want to make?
How do you want to show up every day?
Clarity around these questions boosts your confidence, allows you to show up authentically, and ensures your energy is directed toward meaningful goals. It’s about creating a personal leadership vision and then embodying it in your actions.
Barriers to Clarity
Getting clear on your destination isn’t always easy. Barriers can get in the way, such as:
Self-doubt: Am I good enough to lead?
Imposter syndrome: Do I belong in this role?
Fear of failure: What if I get it wrong?
These barriers are normal, but recognizing them is key. Once you’re aware of what’s holding you back, you can take intentional steps to overcome them.
One of my own barriers is fast action. I like to plan things out, making sure every detail is accounted for before moving forward. But I’ve learned that waiting too long for perfect clarity can become a barrier to progress.
Creating Clarity for Your Team
Once you’ve established your personal leadership vision, it’s time to extend that clarity to your team. Ask yourself:
What is the destination we’re working toward as a team?
Why are we here?
How is each person contributing to the end goal?
Effective leaders communicate this vision clearly and consistently. It’s not enough to set a direction once and expect everyone to remember. You must communicate along the way—sharing updates, adjusting course as needed, and inviting collaboration in shaping the journey.
The Power of Storytelling in Leadership
Storytelling is a powerful tool for leaders. It helps people visualize the destination and connect emotionally to the vision. When leaders share stories that resonate, it creates a sense of belonging and buy-in.
Martin Luther King Jr. did this beautifully in his "I Have a Dream" speech. He painted a picture of a future filled with hope and equality, using vivid imagery to help people see and feel the vision. Walt Disney did the same when envisioning Disneyland, describing what the park would feel like for families long before it became a reality.
As leaders, we can use storytelling to:
Paint a clear picture of the vision.
Create emotional connections.
Inspire others to take action.
Vision vs. Strategy
It’s important to distinguish between vision and strategy. Vision is the destination—the dream of what you want to achieve. Strategy is the roadmap to get there. Both are essential, but vision must come first. Without a clear vision, your strategy will lack purpose.
Think about your leadership vision:
What do you want to achieve?
Who do you want to become?
What legacy do you want to leave?
Once you have clarity around these questions, you can begin to map out the steps to get there.
Embracing Uncertainty
Even with a clear vision, the journey won’t always be smooth. There will be detours, roadblocks, and moments of uncertainty. That’s part of the process.
As a leader, it’s essential to normalize ambiguity. Be honest about what you don’t know, but commit to finding the way forward. This vulnerability builds trust and shows your team that you’re human, too.
Final Thoughts
Effective leadership starts with knowing where you’re going. It requires clarity of vision, self-awareness, and the ability to communicate that vision to others. When leaders can provide a clear destination, it fosters trust, alignment, and collaboration.
So, leader, I encourage you to take time to clarify your destination. Spend time reflecting on your own leadership vision:
When you know where you’re going, you’ll lead with confidence, inspire trust, and make a meaningful impact.
What Do You Think?
Are you clear on your destination?
Head over to my Instagram account and send me a DM - - let me know what you come up with!
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