The Lighthouse Keeper

In a bustling town, on the north coast of Tasmania, there was a lighthouse keeper named Alex. For many years, Alex had guided ships safely to shore, skillfully navigating through storms and turbulent waters. The sailors trusted Alex's steady hand and keen eye, knowing that no matter how fierce the storm, they would find their way home.

One day, the town's council approached Alex with a new challenge. They needed someone to oversee not just the lighthouse, but the entire network of lighthouses along the coast. This role required more than just guiding ships; it involved:

1. Creating a vision for how these lighthouses will service the north coast of Tasmania today and into the future,

2. Ensuring that the systems and procedures across all the lighthouses worked in harmony to keep ships safe

3. Ensuring that the capabilities of the lighthouse keepers was such that they were able to not only operate the lighthouses but work with the other lighthouse keepers across long distances.

Alex accepted the challenge, understanding that this new role was about more than individual guidance. It was about showing a path for others to follow, ensuring that every lighthouse shone brightly and consistently. Alex began by sharing a clear vision with the team: a coastline where every ship, no matter how far from shore, could navigate safely.

To achieve this, Alex implemented new systems for communication and coordination between the lighthouses. Regular sessions were held to equip new keepers with the skills they needed. Alex also fostered a culture of resilience, encouraging keepers to innovate and adapt to changing conditions.

As time passed, the network of lighthouses became a beacon of safety and reliability. Ships from distant lands spoke of the remarkable coordination and the unwavering light that guided them. Alex's leadership had transformed the coastline, not just by managing change, but by creating a sustainable system that empowered others to lead.

This story illustrates the journey of a leader who evolves from managing on a smaller scale to providing the vision, systems, and capability for effective leadership on a larger scale. Alex understands that true leadership is about empowering others and creating a lasting impact.

Resilient organisations need systems and visionary thinkers. These leaders are thinking ahead and readying the organisation to pivot. They understand the interconnected activities across the organisation, and that continuous improvement will deliver lasting value to their customers.

About the Author 

Angela Richardson is a master’s qualified expert in people leadership and change management. Angela has dedicated over 25 years to helping organisations build resilience to thrive and grow amidst uncertainty. Her practice focuses on equipping leaders with the knowledge, skills and mindsets needed to navigate and adapt to change effectively. 

Contact Angela, at angela@angelarichardson.com.au or on 0488 097 885.