Anyone Can Steer, But Only Leaders Chart the Course

One of my favorite quotes from leadership expert John Maxwell is: “Anyone can steer the ship, but it takes a leader to chart the course.” This simple yet profound statement resonates with me, and here’s why.

I have a good friend who owns a boat, and we love taking it out into Tampa Bay. We island-hop, sightsee, grab a bite to eat, and occasionally even camp overnight. It’s a great way to unwind and enjoy the beauty of Florida’s waters. One of the fun things my friend lets us do is take turns steering the boat. It sounds simple enough—just grab the wheel and head in any direction you want, right?

But here’s the catch: while I can steer the boat anywhere across Tampa Bay, I have no idea where I'm going without direction. I can guide it, but I lack the knowledge and vision of where we’re supposed to end up unless my friend points us in the right direction.

And that’s the heart of Maxwell's message: anyone can steer, but leadership is about more than just keeping things moving—it’s about setting the course.

In life and in business, the ability to steer doesn’t automatically make someone a leader. Leadership is about more than managing the day-to-day; it’s about having the vision and foresight to guide a team toward long-term success. It’s about taking charge, setting goals, and navigating through challenges along the way. Without a clear direction, even the most talented team members can find themselves adrift.

Just like in my boating experience, a leader’s role is to chart the course, ensuring the team knows where it’s headed and how to get there. It’s not enough to just keep things moving—you need a destination, a vision, and a plan to make it happen. And that’s where true leadership comes into play.

If you're in need of guidance, whether in business or life, I want you to know that I’m always here to serve. Whether it's helping you chart your own course or steering your team in the right direction, I’m committed to providing the support you need.