Bridges Quote by Paul J. H. Schoemaker
“Walking aft a few feet we stand at the steering gear of the ship. There is no cozy; wheel-house on the bridge for the quartermaster of a sailing ship! He must stand at the very stern, with an unobstructed view of the sails. When sailing "by the wind" his eye is glued to the weather-side of the uppermost sail; he keeps it drawing a trace of wind, but never lets it fill.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Strategic Decision Making, 2009
Effective leadership requires staying at the forefront, constantly monitoring conditions, and never becoming complacent or overly reliant on a single perspective.
In simple terms: Leaders must stay alert and adaptable.
Key Takeaway
Maintain vigilance and flexibility.
Themes
leadership
decision making
situational awareness
adaptability
Mood
focused
alert
Type
strategic
practical
When to use this quote
- business strategy
- crisis management
- project planning
- military command
Key Concepts
strategic thinking
risk management
environmental scanning
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you stay aware without becoming overwhelmed?
- When is it appropriate to delegate observation?
A Different Perspective
Constant vigilance can cause stress and burnout if not balanced.
