Imagine yourself on a train ride. You’re sitting comfortably in your seat, enjoying the scenery outside and feeling the gentle rumble of the tracks beneath you. Like a well-oiled machine, the train seems to move effortlessly along the tracks. But have you ever thought about what makes this train run so smoothly? It’s not just the engine but also the tracks.
In business, engines and tracks are like products and services and the systems, structures, and strategies used to deliver them. They’re the two sides of the same coin that every successful leader needs to develop. Some leaders are great at developing their big dreams without clearly identifying their products and services. At the same time, others spend too much time zeroing in on their products and services without developing their delivery strategy. But true leaders know that they need to develop both ideas to succeed.
Let’s take a look at the first type of leader. They’re dreamers with grand visions for their companies but haven’t quite figured out what products or services they will offer. They’re like an engine without a train, a powerful tool without a clear purpose. These leaders are often highly creative and passionate but may lack the practical skills to turn their ideas into something tangible. Without a clear understanding of their products and services, they risk losing direction and being unable to deliver on their promises.
On the other hand, some leaders spend all their time focusing on their products and services to the point where they neglect their delivery strategies. They’re like a train without tracks, unable to move forward no matter how much power they have. These leaders are often highly analytical and detail-oriented, but they may lack the vision needed to take their companies to the next level. Without a clear delivery strategy, they risk getting bogged down in the day-to-day operations of their business and failing to keep up with the competition.
The most successful leaders are those who develop both their engines and tracks. They clearly understand what products and services they offer, but they also have a well-thought-out strategy for delivering them. They’re like a powerful and precise train, able to move smoothly along the tracks and reach its destination on time. These leaders have a balance of creativity and practicality, vision and attention to detail. They know that their engines and tracks are equally important and that they need to invest time and energy into developing both.
The analogy of engines and tracks is a powerful reminder that every successful leader must develop their products, services, and delivery strategies. Whether you’re a dreamer who needs to focus on practical skills or an analytical thinker who needs to think big-picture, it’s essential to strike a balance between these two ideas. So, as you journey towards your business goals, make sure your engines and tracks are both firing on all cylinders.
I help leaders with optimizing their tracks and engines. I really hope this blog made you think about how you can tighten some things up to give you the results that you have always wanted. If you would like some help, schedule a free discovery call with me (link below), and let’s tighten things up together.
https://calendly.com/teamscoach/30min
