Guiding vs. Steering

Attribute	Guiding	Steering
Definition	Providing direction or advice	Controlling the direction or course
Goal	To offer support and suggestions	To control and direct towards a specific outcome
Approach	More suggestive and advisory	More authoritative and directive
Level of Control	Less control over the outcome	More control over the outcome
Flexibility	Allows for more flexibility in decision-making	Less flexibility due to more direct control

Introduction

Guiding and steering are two important concepts in the realm of leadership and management. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are distinct differences between the two approaches. In this article, we will explore the attributes of guiding and steering, highlighting their unique characteristics and discussing when each approach may be most effective.

Definition of Guiding

Guiding is a leadership approach that focuses on providing direction, support, and encouragement to individuals or teams. A guide helps others navigate challenges, set goals, and develop skills to achieve success. This approach is often characterized by a collaborative and empowering relationship between the guide and the guided. The guide acts as a mentor, offering advice and feedback to help the guided individual or team grow and improve.

Attributes of Guiding

• Empowering: Guiding empowers individuals to take ownership of their development and growth.
• Collaborative: Guiding involves a partnership between the guide and the guided, fostering a sense of teamwork and mutual respect.
• Supportive: Guides provide emotional support and encouragement to help the guided overcome challenges and obstacles.
• Developmental: Guiding focuses on helping individuals or teams develop new skills, knowledge, and capabilities.
• Long-term focus: Guiding is often a long-term relationship, with guides supporting the guided over an extended period of time.

Definition of Steering

Steering, on the other hand, is a more directive leadership approach that involves setting clear goals, making decisions, and providing specific instructions to individuals or teams. A leader who steers takes charge of the direction and control of a project or organization, guiding others towards a predetermined outcome. This approach is often characterized by a more hierarchical relationship, with the leader making decisions and giving orders to achieve desired results.

Attributes of Steering

• Directive: Steering involves giving clear instructions and making decisions to guide individuals or teams towards a specific goal.
• Authoritative: Leaders who steer often have authority and control over the direction and outcomes of a project or organization.
• Efficient: Steering can be an efficient way to achieve results quickly, as leaders make decisions and provide guidance to keep projects on track.
• Short-term focus: Steering is often a more short-term approach, with leaders providing immediate direction and guidance to achieve specific goals.
• Results-oriented: Steering focuses on achieving specific outcomes and results, with leaders driving towards success through clear direction and control.

When to Use Guiding

Guiding is most effective in situations where individuals or teams require support, development, and empowerment. When individuals are seeking to grow their skills, knowledge, and capabilities, guiding can be a valuable approach to help them achieve their goals. Guiding is also beneficial in fostering collaboration, teamwork, and long-term relationships that support ongoing growth and development.

When to Use Steering

Steering is most effective in situations where clear direction, control, and efficiency are needed to achieve specific goals or outcomes. When projects require immediate decision-making, guidance, and results, steering can be a valuable approach to keep things on track and drive towards success. Steering is also beneficial in situations where authoritative leadership is necessary to make tough decisions and drive teams towards specific objectives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, guiding and steering are two distinct leadership approaches with unique attributes and characteristics. While guiding focuses on empowerment, collaboration, and long-term development, steering emphasizes direction, control, and efficiency. Both approaches have their place in leadership and management, and the key is to understand when each approach is most effective based on the situation and goals at hand.