rudder
/ˈrʌdər/
noun
- A flat piece of wood, metal, or other material at the back of a boat, ship, or aircraft that is moved to change direction.
- On a small sailboat, you control the rudder with a tiller.
- The pilot adjusted the rudder to keep the plane flying straight.
- The captain turned the rudder to steer the ship away from the rocks.
- Something that guides or directs the course of an organization, project, or activity.
- Without a clear plan, the project had no rudder and quickly fell apart.
- Good leadership is the rudder that keeps a team moving in the right direction.
- The CEO acted as the rudder of the company during the financial crisis.
Synonyms