On a viking long boat, the stýrimaðr (translated to steerman) was responsible for the sole navigation of the ship from a fixed position on the boat from which he could observe everyone on board, weather conditions, navigational landmarks and control the direction of the boat. He stood at the back, to the right hand side and controlled a large mounted oar called the steering board (in Old Norse called the stýriborð, which developed in to the modern day term Starboard we use for the right hand side of a boat)

The stýrimaðr was at the very top of the hierarchy, the most important person on board that boat who held absolute power over its direction. Early Icelandic and Norwegian law codes placed immense legal responsibility on the stýrismaðr. If the ship collided with another vessel or crashed due to negligence, they were held personally and financially liable for the damages and lost cargo. They held immense power, and immense responsibility. Kings and Jarls would rely on them to steer the fleet to war, to new shores or home to loved ones.

Yet, they stood at the back of the boat, maintaining their role, ensuring continued oversight and led by exemplifying their commitment to the destination they set out to reach. The stýrimaðr did not sit at the front of the boat and delegate based on knowing the way, they allowed their crew to do their roles without interference, they trusted them to own their work in reaching the destination he was leading them to. He held his oar and steered so their efforts meant progress in the right direction.

Modern day leadership needs to exude more stýrimaðr - be meticulous and intentional in what direction to go in, be committed to how that is achieved, and keep your hand on the stýriborð throughout so that you are ensuring that the efforts of your workers are always taking you to the agreed destination. You can not lead and navigate when standing out in front hoping every one behind is steering how you want them to.