Day Hiking in the Leadership Forest

This is your day! You prepped, you packed, and you’re on your way. A perfect day hike adventure in the leadership forest. Lucky for you the sky is clear and the path steady. Oh….but what’s that up ahead? A detour, a delay, a curious winding trail? Hope you packed well. Today, we discuss what you packed for your day hike.

Nutritional Supplements

Who goes without food or water? Not you! As a leader it is IMPERATIVE that you take time to nourish your mind, body and spirit. Yes, taking time for food and water obviously, but what else? Nutrition means more than the Cliff bar you smuggled into your pack. Did you remember to relax a bit along your travels? Do you even know what things make you happy or bring you joy? If not, it's time you find a hobby. Every leader is an individual and will like various past times to release stress and nourish their souls. You cannot, I repeat, cannot, expect to last long in this forest unless you are taking care of yourself. Make it essential, just like lunch breaks. Do you really think you can climb a mountain without a break for water? Think again, we’ll see you at the top.

Hiking Boots

No, not for stepping on people. Think about it, hiking boots assist you to traverse terrains you otherwise may have difficulty overcoming. Sure, you could walk along an even path without good boots, but veering off…climbing over rocks….I’d rather have protection. In this instance, your hiking boots are borrowed for now and encapsulate your coach, a mentor, or your team. The experiences of these individuals are essential. Listen closely to them and their shared knowledge can protect your inexperienced feet, allowing you to travel further, faster. Best to get used to learning from others, for that skill is only warming up and should continue throughout your career’s entirety.

Multi Tool

A multitool is an interesting innovation. Multiple tools, some of which are used for one specific purpose and some used for broad creative problem solving. When evaluating your multitool think about this: When you want to use your Philips head screwdriver, most likely you’re manipulating a screw, a specific tool for a specific situation. Leadership can be similar. First, you want to ensure you have multiple tools ready at your disposal when a problem arises. For example, your Philips head is the technical experience you have in Microsoft Excel, a very specific tool that may come in handy in a very specific situation (although we all know it’s time to move on from spreadsheets). But what about your small blade? Now this too has a function of course, but the possibilities for application in creative situations are unlimited. For broad use skills or tools, think conflict management, or communication. As a leader you can use conflict management or communication skills everyday, and SPOILER ALERT, in numerous ways! Ladies and gentlemen, time to sharpen your blades.

 Wow! Look how far we walked. I’m sunburnt and my feet hurt. Let’s hike again soon.

What leadership supplies do you pack for YOUR day hike? Comment below and let us know!

Feel like you missed something? See this article on Entering the Leadership Forest.

Photo Credits:

Hiking Photo by Kun Fotografi from Pexels

 Nutrition Photo by Eric Sanman from Pexels

 Boots Photo by Lisa Fotios from Pexels

 Leatherman Photo by Jonathan van den Broek on Unsplash