Yesterday in Vancouver, where I live, there was a major storm. A cold front from Alaska brought Force 7 winds (gusts up to 100 km/hr) from the West. The resulting winds kicked up big waves in relatively protected English Bay. The wind and waves were enough to drive three sailboats on to Kitsilano beach.
Companies often go through the same experience. External events, lack of preparation, or internal choices result in a company that has lost its way. For the entrepreneur it feels like the company has been in a storm and is about to crash and be wiped out.
Amazing things can happen when things go off course. Like the people yesterday who were at the beach digging out their sailboat, entrepreneurs and leaders can set the focus for a company that has lots its way. The sailboat owners on Kitsilano Beach yesterday were 100% focused on digging out their boats so that they could float them off the beach on the high tide that occurred at 3:00 AM. Having laser focus on what needs to get done is the true way to move a company ahead, whether it’s hit the beach or not.
