Outsmart Chaos 107: Keep the Back Channels Open
The Spinnaker Principle in Leadership
In The Sum of All Fears, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan is advised by a source named “Spinnaker”:
to keep the back channels open, in hopes of staving off disaster.That line stuck with me, not just for its tension in the story, but because it serves as a perfect metaphor for leadership.
On a sailboat, a spinnaker is the large, colorful sail used to capture wind and accelerate forward. It’s usually attached by only rope, and functions like the opposite of a parachute - it captures the wind to gain as much momentum as possible.
It’s like a shot of nitrous oxide in a car, or an energy drink when you’re feeling lethargic.
It can be thrilling, yet it is also dangerous. If you do not adjust quickly, the same wind that propels you can pull you off course or even capsize the boat.
In leadership, momentum works in much the same way. Big wins, fast progress, or a sudden surge of energy can create as much risk as opportunity. A leader must not only catch the wind but also manage it by keeping communication open, guiding the course, and protecting the mission from being blown apart.
The Gift and the Danger
When a spinnaker fills, the boat surges forward. At that moment, two forces appear at the same time:
Opportunity — You are moving faster than you thought possible.
Risk — Every inch of that speed can pull you off balance.
In leadership, this happens when a new product takes off, a team suddenly outperforms, or a market shift opens a big door. The energy feels exhilarating, but it can also magnify weak systems, bad communication, or unresolved tensions.
Momentum magnifies everything. The good becomes better. The bad becomes worse.
Three Leadership Moves When the Wind Hits
1. Catch the Wind and Set the Course
Be ready for the opportunity. When momentum comes, direct it toward your mission and keep it aligned with your strategy.
2. Guard Communication
Keep the “back channels” open: private conversations, side notes, and informal check-ins. These are where you will hear early warnings before they become significant issues.
3. Stay Hands-On
A spinnaker requires active steering. Even when things seem to be going well, maintain your involvement. Fast-moving boats need steady hands on the wheel.
A Leadership Moment
With experience in project management, I’ve seen projects that race to the finish line, delivering just in time on an aggressive deadline. Although we met the deadline and delivered as required, the project team was aware of issues that needed to be addressed. It would have been tempting to sit back and ride the wave.
The increased visibility meant our smallest mistakes were now magnified, and there was more pain and frustration after the deadline, due to unmanaged expectations. I learned quickly that without constant communication and course correction, the same momentum carrying us forward could have undone the entire effort.
Your Turn
Ask yourself:
Where is momentum building in my work right now?
What risks are being magnified by that momentum?
Which “back channels” need to be opened or strengthened to keep us on course?
Strong leadership means catching the wind with confidence while ensuring it takes you where you want to go. When disaster is possible, open back channels often become the strongest safeguard.
This is your reminder that leadership lessons don’t always come from big crises. Sometimes, it’s the smallest disruptions that reveal the most about who we are and who we want to be.