Lessons in Orienteering
Orienteering is a competitive sport in which participants use a map and compass to navigate from one point to another in unfamiliar and challenging terrain. The goal is to reach the finish line as quickly as possible while racing against other individuals. This weekend, as I raced from point to point in a local orienteering competition, I couldn’t help but draw comparisons between orienteering and running a business.
Sometimes the shortest route is the longer way around.
I am still relatively new to the world of orienteering, so I am still learning some crucial lessons. One very important lesson: shortcuts don’t always pay off! This weekend I tried to take a shortcut through dense bush to get to the next checkpoint. Unfortunately, instead of saving time, I fell behind other competitors and gained a few cuts and bruises along the way.
Shortcuts in business can end up backfiring. Knee-jerk ‘solutions’ to problems can end up bruising the company along the way, ultimately creating fresh problems that are much harder to solve. It is often better to stay the course instead of veering off in a panic.
Always make sure you know the direction you are heading.
Knowing the direction of 'true north' is essential to navigate correctly. At one point, I should have paid more attention and accidentally turned south instead of north. Why? Because I had the map turned the wrong way! Fortunately, I realised my mistake and quickly got back on track.
In business, ‘true north’ represents your vision, mission and values. When your business is pointed in the right direction, your decision-making is more likely to be aligned with likely to make decision-making and ensures that you head in the direction you set out to. Make sure you know which direction you are heading!
Without a map and observing your surroundings, it is impossible to know where you are.
A lot of orienteering is about reading the map's features, having a strategy using those features to navigate and then looking for those features as you traverse from one point to another.
In business, having a clear ‘map’ such as your plans, objectives and measures and constantly reviewing your environment will help you know where you are relative to where you want to be.
Be prepared to get muddy and dirty.
Sometimes you have to bush bash to get to your destination. You will likely end up wet, dirty and tired. I certainly did this past Sunday!
In business, you will have to get down and dirty sometimes and be prepared to ‘bash’ through challenges. Working with change and people is often messy.
Learning and adjusting is a normal part of the adventure.
Every time I tackle a new orienteering course, as I navigate from checkpoint to checkpoint, there is a tremendous amount of learning and adjustment that takes place - usually by making mistakes! On my very first introductory course a few weeks back, I found myself lost for a full 45 minutes. But I quickly learned from my mistakes, found my way and completed the course.
To achieve business success, learning from mistakes and adjusting accordingly is essential. Although mistakes may be frustrating, they can provide valuable lessons that lead to innovation and growth.
Incidentally, if orienteering sounds like something you would enjoy: Orienteering Australia