The Anchor That Changed How I Think About Leadership
Written by Andrea Tunjic
We talk a lot about leadership development in the workplace — but my first real lesson didn’t come from a job. It came from a boat.
I was a young girl, out on Port Phillip Bay with my dad. At one point, he handed me a task: “Drop the anchor.”
I’d never done it before. I didn’t ask questions. I just did what I thought I was supposed to do — and hoped for the best.
About an hour later, we heard the alarm of an approaching ship.
We’d drifted — right into a shipping lane.
The anchor hadn’t held. It hadn’t even been properly secured.
My dad quickly fixed the situation (with the help of some new Croatian swear words I hadn’t heard before). And while we were safely back on course soon enough, I remember how I felt — embarrassed, unsure, like I’d done something wrong.
But how could I have known what I’d never been taught?
It’s the same for many new leaders.
They’re given responsibility. They’re eager to prove themselves. And they’re told to “lead” — to create clarity, build trust, and steady the team.
But without tools, training, or guidance, they’re just like I was on that boat — doing their best, and hoping they don’t drift too far off course.
Until something goes wrong.
Until they find themselves in over their head.
Until the alarms start sounding.
That moment on the water has shaped everything I do now.
Because what I learned is this:
Good intentions aren’t enough.
Natural ability isn’t enough.
Leadership without the right support drifts.
Even the most well-meaning effort won’t hold without something solid to anchor to — clear expectations, practical frameworks, ongoing development, and the confidence that comes from knowing you’re equipped.
This is why I do the work I do.
My job isn’t just to hand leaders the anchor — it’s to show them how to secure it, how to read the currents, and how to adjust course with confidence.
Leadership is rarely smooth sailing. But it shouldn’t be guesswork either.
Everyone deserves to feel steady in their role — not adrift, hoping the next alarm isn’t meant for them.
I’m currently working toward my goal of equipping 1,000 leaders with the practical tools they need to lead well — not just react under pressure. If you’re part of an organisation ready to support your leaders before things drift off course, let’s talk.
Thanks for reading to the end
About the Author:
Andrea Tunjic is a leadership coach with 25+ years’ experience helping businesses grow confident, capable people leaders. Her Essential Leadership Skills program is designed for everyday managers navigating the messy middle between doing and leading. Learn more at andreatunjic.com.au.
