James R. Rector
Publisher, Profiles in Leadership Journal
Most leaders obsess over the clock. Deadlines, schedules, and minutes drive every choice. Yet the leaders who last longest focus on the compass. They ask not only when, but where.
The clock measures speed. The compass measures direction. Speed without direction is waste. Direction without speed is delay. A leader must balance both, but the compass must always come first.
When the compass is clear, the team can endure tight timelines. Without it, no amount of speed will reach the right destination.
At Home
Families often face the same tension. Parents rush children from activity to activity, keeping to the clock, but forget to ask where the family is actually headed. A family guided by values, not only schedules, finds a healthier rhythm.
Your question: Is your leadership being guided more by the clock or by the compass?
About the series: The 3-Minute Leader™ is a weekly micro-essay for emerging and promotable executives.
James Rector
James Rector is the founder and publisher of Profiles in Leadership Journal, a publication that has honored over 2,500 leaders in its 27-year history. His work focuses on spotlighting individuals whose character, courage, and quiet consistency shape the future of leadership.
