Trust, Leadership, and the Courage to Let Go: Lessons from a Mountain Hunt?

Let's delve into the cornerstone of leadership: trust.

True leadership is anchored in earning the trust of others and having faith in their capabilities. This principle was vividly illustrated during a remarkable elk hunting trip I experienced on the eastern slope of the Continental Divide in the Sierra Mountains.

This adventure, only accessible by horseback, was not just a journey through the wilderness but a profound lesson in trust and leadership.?

Envision this scene: I'm deep in the wilderness, about five miles from the Continental Divide. Our plan was to ride our horses up the divide, hunt on the other side, and return after sundown. The journey was daunting.

The rock slides, the narrow trails, and the large horse I rode – all elements of challenging terrain. As we navigated the creeks and trails, I realized the imminent risk; a misstep could lead to a perilous fall.?In this moment, I recognized a fundamental truth about trust. I had to rely on my horse’s competence, despite not speaking 'horse' myself. This trust was not just necessary but essential for our safe passage.

Herein lay my first lesson in leadership: Sometimes, we must place our trust in the expertise of others, especially when they possess skills we lack.?

As night fell and we returned, darkness enveloped us completely, erasing all visibility. The guide's advice was simple yet profound: "Trust your horse. They know these mountains, no matter the conditions. Stay in the saddle, don’t pull the reins, and let the horse lead."

It was so dark, I could not see my hand right in front of my face. This advice wasn't just about navigating the darkness; it was a metaphor for leadership.

We often find ourselves in situations outside our expertise. In such times, it's the leader’s role to trust the capabilities of their team, stepping back to let them navigate.?

After an hour and a half descent in the pitch black, the horse safely led us back. This experience parallels leadership in profound ways.

In leadership, as in that dark descent, our role often involves trusting those with the right competencies, supporting their development, and leading by stepping back when necessary.

While the stakes in business may not always be life and death, the essence of trust remains the same. In my railroad career, I learned that whether it's about safety or strategy, trusting competent individuals is crucial.?

So, this story isn't just about a hunting trip; it's a lesson in the essence of leadership.

It teaches us to trust, to empower, and to courageously face the unknown, knowing that the journey, irrespective of its outcome, is an adventure in itself.

In leadership, as in navigating those mountain trails, the journey is often about finding trust in the darkness, allowing others to lead the way when their expertise surpasses our own.?