A train travelling 55 mph on a railroad track can crash through a 5-foot thick steel-reinforced concrete wall without stopping. That same train, starting from a stationary position, won't be able to go through an inch-thick block in front of the driving wheel.

It is never the size of your problem that is the problem. It's a lack of momentum. Without momentum, even a tiny obstacle can prevent you from moving forward. With momentum, you'll navigate through problems and barely even notice them.

As a leader, your responsibility is to understand momentum, to get it moving for your organization, and to sustain it over time. Momentum can be tricky to comprehend, though. To help you grasp the concept of momentum, I'll outline momentum breakers alongside momentum makers.

Momentum maker - focus

By creating and following a clear and focused vision statement, a leader develops momentum. A leader drains away momentum by shooting at nothing or attempting everything. Great accomplishments require leaders to fix their gaze beyond what's easily attainable.

Momentum maker - the future

An organization picks up steam when its leaders point to a better tomorrow. Many people have powerful dreams. However, most don't realize that the viability of their ideal tomorrow is based on what they do today. Practice today what you want to be tomorrow.

Momentum maker - teamwork

If you want to kill momentum, then insist on doing things by yourself. Momentum grows through team victories in which numerous people can claim to have played a role. The level of celebration on a team depends upon the level of participation.

Momentum maker - creativity

Relentlessly question the logic, "that's how we have always done it." What worked in the past may be outdated and could hold you back in the future.