Steering and Rowing: The Balance of Leadership

Leadership is a journey, and like any journey, it requires both direction and effort. There’s a powerful quote that captures this idea perfectly: “God will steer the boat but you must row.” If you’re reading this, chances are you want to be the kind of leader people not only respect but want to follow. That’s a noble goal, and it starts with understanding this balance—God’s guidance and your diligence.

The Quote and Its Meaning

Picture yourself in a boat. God is the captain, steering you in the right direction, but you’re the one who must row to move forward. In leadership, this means that while God provides the vision, the purpose, and the opportunities, it’s up to you to put in the work. You can’t just sit back and expect things to happen—you must take action, make decisions, and lead with intention.

This isn’t just a nice metaphor; it’s a biblical principle. Proverbs 16:9 says, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” We make plans, we set goals, we take steps forward—but ultimately, God is the one directing our path. The key is that we still must make those plans and take those steps. Leadership, like rowing, requires effort.

Diligence in Leadership

So, what does it mean to lead with diligence? It means being proactive, responsible, and committed to the task at hand. Diligence isn’t about working harder for the sake of it—it’s about working smart and with purpose. It’s about showing up every day, even when it’s tough, and putting in the effort to move your team, your project, or your vision forward.

Think about a time when you’ve seen a leader truly embody this. Maybe it was a boss who didn’t just give orders but rolled up their sleeves and worked alongside the team. Or perhaps it was a mentor who consistently showed up, offering guidance while encouraging you to take ownership of your growth. These are the leaders people want to follow—because they don’t just point the way; they lead by example.

The Balance: Guidance and Action

Here’s where the balance comes in. As leaders, we need to be open to God’s guidance—His steering—but we can’t use that as an excuse to be passive. I’ve seen leaders fall into the trap of over-spiritualizing their decisions, waiting for a “sign” before making any move. While it’s important to seek God’s will, we also must remember that He’s already given us wisdom, discernment, and the ability to act.

On the flip side, some leaders charge ahead without ever pausing to seek divine direction. They row furiously but end up going in circles because they’re not aligned with God’s purpose. The sweet spot is in the middle: seeking God’s guidance and taking diligent action.

Let me share a personal story. Early in my leadership journey, I was tasked with leading a major project at work. I had a clear vision and felt confident about the direction—God had opened the door, after all. But as the project progressed, challenges arose, and I started to doubt. Instead of pushing through, I hesitated, waiting for another “sign” to confirm I was on the right path. Meanwhile, the team was looking to me for direction, and my inaction was causing confusion.

It wasn’t until a mentor reminded me of Proverbs 16:9 that I realized I was waiting for God to do my part. He had already established the steps; I just needed to keep rowing. Once I started taking action again—making decisions, communicating clearly, and trusting that God was steering—the project got back on track. That experience taught me that leadership is a partnership with God: He guides, but I must do the work.

Apply It!

So, how can you apply this principle in your own leadership journey? Here are three actionable steps:

1. Set Clear Goals (But Stay Flexible)
   Start by setting clear, purposeful goals for yourself and your team. These goals are your “course”—the direction you’re rowing toward. But remember, God may adjust your path along the way. Stay flexible and open to His steering. If a door closes or an unexpected opportunity arises, trust that it’s part of His plan and adjust accordingly.
2. Take Consistent Action
   Don’t wait for perfect conditions to start rowing. Leadership requires consistent effort. Whether it’s making tough decisions, having difficult conversations, or simply showing up when you’d rather not—take action. Remember, God can’t steer a parked boat. You must be moving for Him to guide you.
3. Seek God’s Guidance Daily
   Make it a habit to seek God’s wisdom in your leadership. This could be through prayer, scripture, or even seeking counsel from trusted mentors. But don’t use this as an excuse to delay action. Trust that God is already at work in your life and that He’ll guide you as you move forward.

Wrap it Up!

Being the kind of leader people want to follow isn’t about having all the answers or being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about balancing diligence with divine guidance—rowing the boat while trusting God to steer. When you lead this way, you inspire others to do the same. You become a leader who not only achieves results but does so with purpose and integrity.

So, to all aspiring leaders out there: set your course, seek God’s guidance, and start rowing. The journey may not always be easy, but it will be worth it.