This past weekend my youngest son and I participated in a Father/Son camp. When each son has turned ten we have gone to a camp put on by Mission Uprising. The experience is a great opportunity to unplug and connect with my son one on one.
Each of my son’s brothers had scaled the huge climbing wall when they went and felt the thrill of success while overcoming the challenges along the way. Along with the climbing wall, this son had a different opportunity. A “vertical playground.” Let’s just say when dad saw the “playground” he knew his limitations and would not attempt this adventure.
While on the ground observing I could do nothing to help him . . . so I thought. Reflecting back there are ways that I led from a distance that may apply to you in leading your team.
Encouragement
As you can see from the picture this was not an easy climb. After scaling a cargo net, he had to figure out how to climb a wooden “X”. He took a rest to wait for the other climber and managed to reach the next level. This next level looked impossible to me. He had to climb a rope ladder with moving rungs! I had no idea how this could be accomplished.
What could I do? Encourage him. I made sure while he was up there trying to determine his next move he knew I believed in him. I would yell up and affirm to him that he could do it and not to quit. As leaders sometimes we may not know the next step a person should take, but may need to encourage them to keep persevering toward the goal.
Guidance
Slowly he climbed the wobbly ladder toward the next level and I would provide occasional instruction on what I could see that he could not. He focused on the next goal, was unable to see where to place his feet, and would stumble and struggle. Similarly, as he climbed the wall earlier in the day I was able to see rocks that were at his waist and from the ground would share with him what I saw to help him climb higher.
Leaders often operate at a different level of awareness. We can be a boss and demand those we lead or we can guide and empower by helping them see options we see they did not know they had in climbing toward their goal.
Celebration
I wish I could tell you he made it to the top of the obstacle, but unfortunately he ran out of strength while climbing the ladder and could not quite pull himself up. After carefully rappelling down to the ground and getting unclipped from his harness I was quick to celebrate with him his perseverance and how high he did get on his first attempt ever.
I know as a leader I often forget to celebrate the small successes because of my frustration at not reaching the goal. When we lead others, we must celebrate the success in any attempt while also discussing the learning opportunity.
As a leader which of these three areas do you need to grow in? What is one action step you can take in that area today? Do you need to create an environment on your team or in your business where people are encouraging one another? Contact me to discuss facilitating a mastermind experience to help create that environment with your organization or team. Lead Well!
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