Imagine flying the Apache AH-64 helicopter, cruising at 165 miles per hour with one eye on what’s ahead and the other eye focused on your helmet’s eyepiece and its sophisticated navigation and armaments systems.
Yes, that’s right! One eye must fly the plane and the other eye, simultaneously, keeps track of sophisticated systems. These pilots are amazing.
It takes that same kind of concentration to lead a team in today’s competitive and increasingly complicated environment. Leaders must keep one eye on the immediate challenges, and the other eye on the road ahead and the strategic adjustments and changes that will be required.
Jerry Baker began his career in the management development program at Ford Motor Company, later became a manager of budgets and analysis for Northrop Corporation, then furthered his management development as Deputy Director for the California Department of Commerce when Ronald Reagan was Governor.