Leaders often serve as mentors, but the best leaders become something more—they become sponsors.

Leading in complex environments requires discipline and focus. To navigate challenges, leaders can use a deceptively simple discipline that Ironman swimmers rely on called “sighting.”

All leaders have the opportunity to harness the power of their people to solve significant challenges. The best leaders are the most curious about the people and problems they face.

Learning to lead is a lifelong journey. And it’s one that anyone can take.

When I was in high school, I worked as an usher and ticket-taker at a small movie theater in Nashville, Tennessee. We had just two screens and a single concession stand wedged between them. The lobby was modest at best. When a popular movie let out, the space quickly became packed. My first responsibility was to help people leave the theater efficiently once their movie ended. My second responsibility was just as important: Keeping those waiting in the lobby from entering the