Aaron Huizenga on leading others through small course corrections

September 13, 2026 By Aaron Huizenga 0 Comments

When was the last time that you ended up in the exact spot that you had planned?

You made a plan, didn’t change anything and arrived at the exact right place, at the exact right time, with the exact right outcome?

Probably never, and why is that? Because you adjusted along the way. You made small corrections and adjustments along the way, all the while keeping the end goal in mind.

You set your compass, your goal, your desired outcome, and as the challenges and obstacles were placed in your way, you changed and adapted.

If it was a personal goal to get that degree, make that yearly sales goal or run that marathon, you corrected yourself. You adjusted the proverbial sails to catch that wind. You gave yourself grace when you needed it and then challenged yourself when the conditions were right. You adjusted your course, your budget or your timeline while all the while keeping the end goal front of mind. Most importantly, you didn’t stop. You kept moving. You didn’t give in because you had a goal.

You corrected the course.

Now, as a leader, your charge is much harder.

Not only are you required to correct your own course, but also the course of everyone around you who looks to you for direction and leadership. You need to be aware of everyone else’s course along with your own so that you can ensure that you all arrive at the same destination at the same time.

When you get really good at all of the small and consistent course corrections, those around you will arrive at the predetermined goal, and they will look at each other and believe that they got there on their own. You can stand behind them and smile and say, “They did it,” and celebrate their victory. There won’t be any fireworks for you, but that, my friends, is when you know you did your duty as their leader.

Course corrections are a part of everything. Keep them small and keep them positive. You hold the pieces and the compass. Just keep them pointed at the goal so that everyone succeeds.

Let’s work on your upgrade!

Aaron Huizenga is East Division manager for Lakes Gas in Wisconsin. Reach him at ahuizenga@lakesgas.com.

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