Working towards a goal requires effective performance that helps you go in the direction you want to go.
You want to see where you are, where you’re heading and how fast you’re going. And watch out for any obstacles that can be avoided. No value in running around like a headless chicken.
Simultaneously, there’s no substitute for doing the practical grunt work to understand the dynamics and experiencing feedback first hand. Ivory tower mentality is dangerous.
Head in the clouds, feet in the dirt.