003: The Lonely Scout: Leading Too Far Ahead
Don’t Lead So Far Ahead That You Lose the People
In the early days of westward expansion, settlers would travel in wagon trains, winding slowly through rough terrain, unpredictable weather, and unfamiliar territory. Each person had a role to play—drivers, cooks, guards—but one of the most critical roles was the scout.
The scout’s job was to ride ahead, survey the land, anticipate threats, and find the safest, most efficient path forward. Without a good scout, the entire wagon train risked disaster. But the best scouts knew something that still holds true in leadership today:
If you go too far ahead, you’re no longer leading—you’re just wandering.
The scout who gallops too far over the next ridge may have the clearest vision, the boldest plan, and the sharpest skills—but if the people can’t see them or follow them, none of that matters. The wagon train stalls. People grow tired. Conflict bubbles up. Progress halts.
Leadership is not just about casting vision. It’s about pace. Presence. Proximity.
It’s about riding just far enough ahead to chart the way, but staying close enough to respond to needs, answer questions, and encourage weary travelers.
In ministry, this lesson is vital. Church leaders often carry the weight of vision—where God is calling the congregation, how to grow, what changes need to be made. But if we rush too far ahead, making plans in isolation or moving faster than people can process, we may turn around to find… no one’s following.
And in that leadership gap, a lot can happen:
Confusion sets in because no one’s sure what direction they’re heading.
Clarity disappears, and people start making assumptions or filling in the blanks themselves.
Morale drops—people feel disconnected from the vision or unsure if their efforts matter.
Fatigue increases, because without clear leadership and shared progress, the work feels heavy and aimless.
And often, resistance grows, not because people dislike change, but because they feel left behind.
Instead, we need to lead like the best scouts.
Keep an eye on the horizon.
Walk with the people.
Set a pace they can follow.
Build trust through presence, not just planning.
Because leadership isn’t just about where you’re going—it’s about who’s going with you.
Note: This wagon train illustration is a commonly used metaphor in leadership training, with unknown origin. It has been adapted and retold in various leadership contexts, from corporate seminars to ministry workshops.