2.2 YOU NEED A NORTH STAR TO REALLY KNOW WHERE YOU’RE GOING.

The North Star, also called Polaris or Earth’s pole star6, has been used to navigate for centuries, acting as an enchanting light to ensure people are travelling in the right direction. It has served as a reliable beacon to guide seafarers home.

When you build or reimagine your business without establishing a clear North Star first, you and your teams risk losing direction and losing your way. That spreads quickly amongst your staff, as they suffer from not knowing or not finding that beacon of light, which guides them, inspires them, gives them hope.

A North Star can serve as a compass that drives everyone and every action towards a purpose, a destination. It’s a destination that we can rely on in an ever-changing world. It helps you navigate and prioritise through tough times.

When you find your true North Star, you find your purpose. You know where you’re headed, what to do, where to aim, and why it is important. It’s like having a picture in front of you of where you want to go. The idea of having a clear sense of direction, intention and an understanding that your contribution is making sense makes you feel energised, inspired and alive. It also makes it easier to make choices and set priorities. It empowers employees to act.

In contrast, not knowing what you and your team stand for, what value you bring, will cause you to stray from your purpose. Not being clear on where you’re going or how you work together will hinder you from reaching success. If you don’t know what to do and why you do what you do, you will get distracted, and this will cost you time and effort. It will eventually burn you out.

We believe defining your North Star and your future state is a condition to succeed. Doing this helps you build your strategy, your plan, your journey, it enables you to Transform while Performing. Keeping your eyes on the North Star avoids drowning in the day-to-day.