Leaders, Stop Rowing and Start Steering
Penny Strutton
Certified Business Psychologist, Coach & Podcaster - Helping people become more confident, impactful and likeable leaders.
Recently, in a coaching session, a senior leader shared an analogy that struck a chord with me: “We’re all in the same boat, rowing in the same direction, and I’m right there with my team, holding a paddle!”
It’s a popular metaphor for teamwork and alignment toward a common purpose. But while the sentiment is admirable, I couldn’t resist interrogating it further.
As is my style, I quickly sketched a canoe, complete with stick figures and paddles, to illustrate the concept. I asked the leader, “Which one is you?” With a smile, he pointed to one of the stick figures rowing alongside the team.
I followed up: “Who in the boat is keeping an eye on the river? Watching for currents, obstacles, and changes ahead? Who’s helping the team refine their strokes, and who’s motivating them to keep momentum as they glide through the water?”
He paused, looked at me quizzically, and then smiled again—he got the point.
To clarify, I added another stick figure to my drawing, this time at the helm of the boat, holding a megaphone. I explained, “This might be a better place for you—leading as the coxswain of the team.”
For those unfamiliar, the coxswain (or “Cox”) is the person who sits at the front of a rowing boat, steering and guiding the crew. Their role is critical—they ensure the team rows in unison, stays on course, and avoids obstacles.
The Leadership Trap: Rowing Instead of Steering
Many leaders feel they’re doing their team a favour by “picking up a paddle” and joining the effort in the trenches. It feels like a way to show solidarity, humility, and hard work. But in reality, this approach often does more harm than good.
Without someone actively steering the boat—watching for challenges, navigating the best course, and inspiring the crew—the team risks rowing in circles, getting stuck, or crashing into unseen obstacles.
Leadership isn’t about doing the same work as your team; it’s about enabling them to succeed.
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Your Job as a Leader Has Changed
When you step into a leadership role, your responsibilities evolve. You’re not there to show you can do the work; you’re there to create the conditions for your team to excel.
Your job is to:
By trying to row alongside your team, you risk neglecting these critical responsibilities. Worse, you might unintentionally disempower your team by stepping into their space instead of letting them shine.
Step Up to the Helm
Leaders, if you find yourself tempted to “roll up your sleeves” and jump into the weeds, take a moment to reflect. Your team doesn’t need you to paddle—they need you to steer.
Be the coxswain of your team. Guide them. Support them. Empower them. Trust in their abilities while focusing on the bigger picture.
You’re in this position for a reason. Embrace it. Your role is to keep your team safe, successful, and moving toward their collective and individual best.
It’s time to put down the paddle, pick up the megaphone, and lead.