In a recent LinkedIn post, Janna Bastow explores the critical distinction between providing clear instructions and offering usable direction for product teams, particularly during times of uncertainty. Bastow, a prominent voice in product management, argues that many leadership challenges stem not from a lack of autonomy or alignment, but from a misunderstanding of what truly guides a team.
The Perils of Confusing Direction with Instructions
Bastow highlights a common pitfall where leaders mistake detailed instructions for effective direction. This can lead to teams becoming paralyzed or ineffective when unexpected challenges arise, a scenario she describes as teams freezing or thrashing under uncertainty.
“Most leadership problems I see don’t come from a lack of autonomy or alignment. They come from confusing direction with instructions, and then panicking when conditions get messy.”
According to Bastow, this confusion is at the heart of many team dysfunctions. When teams are given rigid instructions rather than a clear sense of purpose or a guiding principle, they lack the adaptability needed to navigate the inevitable complexities of product development. As she notes, the goal isn’t to eliminate all ambiguity, but to provide enough clarity to enable effective decision-making.
Embracing “North-ish” Leadership
The core of Bastow’s argument revolves around the concept of what she terms “north-ish” leadership. This approach acknowledges that perfect clarity is often unattainable, especially in dynamic business environments. Instead, leaders should aim to provide a general direction – a compass rather than a detailed map.
Navigating Cloudy Days
Bastow elaborates on the challenges leaders face when external signals become conflicting or internal confidence wavers. In these moments, a “north-ish” direction proves more resilient than a set of precise instructions that may quickly become obsolete.
“I’ve been thinking a lot about what “north-ish” leadership actually looks like, especially on cloudy days when signals conflict and confidence wobbles.”
This concept suggests that leaders must foster an environment where teams can make informed decisions based on a shared understanding of the ultimate goal, even if the path to get there isn’t perfectly defined. Bastow implies that this empowers teams to be more agile and responsive to changing circumstances, rather than being dependent on step-by-step guidance.
The Importance of Usable Direction
Bastow’s insights underscore the value of providing teams with a vision and key objectives that serve as a reliable guide, even when the path forward is unclear. This contrasts with a command-and-control style that can stifle innovation and problem-solving.
“Good product teams don’t need perfect clarity. They need usable direction.”
By focusing on “usable direction,” leaders can equip their teams with the agency and the guiding principles necessary to overcome obstacles and adapt to evolving market conditions. Bastow’s analysis, shared in her Simply Product newsletter, offers a valuable perspective for leaders seeking to build more resilient and effective product teams.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Janna Bastow on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on February 4, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →