Setting Sail for Growth: Leadership Lessons from Uncharted Waters
Ever since a cancer diagnosis a few years ago, I look for ways to "make life matter" and one way I do that is by doing something at least once a year that I can learn and grow from, something rewarding yet challenging. This year it was sailing classes. No, I didn't grow up in a sailing family, I don't have a sailboat and I've only been on a sailboat once in my life. But this summer, I picked sailing. It was something new, something different, something challenging, and dare I say... a little scary! ?
Sailing classes were everything I thought they would be, and more! The one thing I didn't expect was that participating in a sailing class proved to be an unexpected source of valuable insights that I was able to apply to my role as a leader of a learning team. Sailing's emphasis on clear communication and adaptability resonated deeply with my role. Just as reading wind patterns is essential at sea, understanding team dynamics is crucial. Navigating through challenges on the water mirrored the rapid decision-making needed to guide a learning team effectively. The camaraderie among sailors taught me the value of trust and mutual support in fostering a motivated team.
In sailing, when the Helmsman signals 'prepare to tack,' the crew responds with a unified 'ready to tack.' This mirrors the vital role of smooth communication in leadership. Just as each crew member remains aware of their surroundings and teammates' actions, effective leaders foster shared awareness and understanding among team members. It showcases the power of clear communication, making each individual an integral part of the cohesive whole.
As unconventional as it may seem, sailing's unexpected parallels taught me that effective leadership is a journey of communication, adaptability, and unity, guiding both sailors and teams toward shared horizons. ??
领英推è
Ready to set sail on your own leadership journey? Embrace unconventional sources of inspiration and steer your team towards success. #UnconventionalLeadership #SettingSailsForSuccess #LeadershipLessons #SailingMetaphor
Have your own tale of unexpected insights from unique experiences? I'd love to hear how diverse journeys have influenced your leadership path. Share your stories in the comments below and let's celebrate the power of unconventional inspiration together! #LeadershipJourneys #ShareYourStory #AnchorsAweigh
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10 个月What a cool possible TedX topic! I took sailing lessons many years ago and would love to read about your lessons.
Engaging trainer | Instructional Designer | Talent Developer
1 å¹´I admire you for challenging yourself and love the analogy of sailing to your role. I look forward to hearing more about these stories as we share time together on our 1:1s
Certified ICF Coach, Learning & Development Specialist, and Change Management Professional providing coaching and consulting services in the U.S. and Europe - Atlanta, GA | The Hague, Netherlands
1 å¹´This is so interesting! My father was an avid sailor and I remember going out with him on the boat and learning a few things from him. Indeed, clear communication is critical to ensure everyone is on the same page and understands where the captain is leading us. Sailing is a fantastic metaphor - one that I use often when talking about navigating change. This was a nice post. Thank you for sharing!
Real Estate Broker/Agent, Corcoran HM Properties, Top Producer, Certified Broker-in-Charge, Licensed in NC & SC, Jen & Jamie Team
1 年Kimberly! What a great analogy, and I really love how you’re taking on one of life’s unexpected challenges, and using it to propel you into something experientially gratifying and fun! You sound like a fantastic leader and probably a great friend! I’m so glad we had a chance to overlap briefly at work years ago. We had quality over quantity! So happy you’re doing well! Those learning teammates of yours are very fortunate to have you guiding their ship!??????????
Nicely done, Kimberly. This analogy is solid, and interesting.