— To follow is a bullet of wisdom on leadership. It comes from Tom’s rifle, named Shot, who has seen it all. You’ll get the drift by clicking Blog in the menu above. —
THERE WE WERE—Rudy, my marksman, and I, atop a stack of hay bales, peering out a Quonset window. It was early morning, pre-dawn, and Rudy had a mind to “remove” a murderous fox, the one killing Mother’s chickens. The fox, oblivious to his stalkers, emerged from a grain field and scampered down the lane, heading to the broiler pen. Adrenalin surged: Here before our eyes was the culprit . . . but what if I missed—Mr. Fox would “high tail it” out of here. No worry, Rudy “had this”: Deliberately, steadily he aligned my sights; accounted for distance, windage, and the fox’s speed; and squeezed my trigger. Our opportunity was one shot. It was enough.
If only leaders would take aim, steady aim. That’s beyond pointing and shooting. It’s deliberate action with a specific objective, without which everything is important, and, thus, nothing is important. Try this: One vision—clear, not convoluted, while stretching but within reach. And this: A clear plan of execution (no pun intended). Think simple and effective. Now, add this: Defined roles and responsibilities. Okay, you’re ready to pull the trigger: Relax, exhale, squeeze. A good aim is half the hunt—or more.