Navigating The Storm
I remember like it was yesterday. The roaring the wind – like a deafening screaming banshee. The dark, grey, tumultuous skies overhead. Rain pelting me in painfully cold, horizontal sheets. Waves intermittently crashing over the side of the boat as we tossed about in the storm. The boat would rise to the crest of a wave allowing for momentary navigation about the horizon – then fall back down into the next trough.
For this ragamuffin crew, the storm was overwhelming. We looked about in fear of what was to come. We grasped to whatever would keep us in our assigned position – wondering if the excitement around this regatta was worth the apparent risk. What had started out as an incredible adventure brought together by a seasoned captain (and coach) seemed to have turned gravely wrong.
Holding fast… beaten by the storm… waiting for clarity… trusting in each other… hoping for guidance.
Through pierced eyes, I could barely see our captain signaling – and then just above the rage of the storm my crewmates shouted his warning for the coming action…
And then it happened.
Like a soldier coming to attention, our boat came about. The sails that had been slapped like a sheet on a clothesline finally became taught as the wind filled the sails. The lines that had been wiped about the mast and stay-wires responded as if at attention.
And with that subtle navigational change by our captain, we harnessed the power that once laughed at our presence. We launched forward into the storm.
Change course. Renavigate.
Our captain, confident in his capacity, rode the storm like a horse whisperer riding a wild nautical mustang for the first time. Tossed about unpredictably – yet holding fast. Amazed by its power, but not letting fear overcome determination. Not allowing fatigue to set in, but willing himself to find a way to hold on – with reigns in hand. Knowing the power when harnessed would lead to an incredible ride.
How about you? When storms pound your ship and waves crash across your bow, how do you navigate the waters of uncertainty?
Take a moment and look back at recent career challenges – how do you emulate confidence for your crew as they are deafened by the wind and pounded by the waves? How do you communicate change?
As a leader facing conflict, are you able to harness the power of the storm?
It takes strong winds to move a sailing ship, but only a small rudder to define its direction.
In his book, Running from Safety, Richard Bach stated, “Never had I understood that I command, with absolute authority, the ship of my life! I decide its mission and rules and discipline, at my word waits every tool and sail, every cannon, the strength of every soul on board. I’m master of a team of passionate skills to sail me through hell’s own jaws the second I nod the direction to steer.”
Let’s break that down just a bit. The captain, the leader of a team of passionate skills. If your team has passion, do you? Are you able to articulate, direct or harness that passion in a clear trajectory?
Related to your team, have they been selected based on an unwavering desire to achieve not just success – but significance? And if not, are you on a path of growing them, casting a vision and helping them come about?
What about the ship of your life? Who gives the orders to set the sails and define the direction? You.
“Never had I understood that I command, with absolute authority, the ship of my life!”
It isn’t that the winds won’t change direction, or the seas won’t cause your ship to heave to, but you ultimately define its direction. Through conscious and unconscious intent, taking all attributes developed, you direct the rudder. It is in the absence of using the wind to your advantage and failing to set a course that you end up pummeled in the storm – drowned in a sea of uncertainty or lost in an endless torrent of aimless despair
And your team? Thrown overboard.
However, as your sails fill with the gales of the oncoming storm, command your ship you must. Listen to what you know instead of what you fear. Assess the storm, analyze the risks, rally the troops, give them inspiration and direction… and set a course.
Once under sail, navigating through change is essential. Trimming the sail optimizes the power of the wind – but keep sight on your intended direction. It isn’t power but skill that successfully navigates the ship.
Blown off course? Check your bearings.
When in doubt - find your true north.
Made it through the leading edge of the storm? Well done. Take a deep breath – but recognize storm conditions change. A single navigational success rarely brings the ship to port. Don’t allow the current of uncertainty, the media, the economy, or the fear of what lies ahead to drag you off course.
Seek clarity in your direction and avoid negative influences on your decision-making. Don’t fall for it. Recalibrate, redirect, harness the wind and sail on.
I learned a lot during my first regatta.
I learned the value of ducking my head when the boat comes about and the boom swings overhead. I learned to hear with my eyes – when the wind is deafening. And I learned not to always believe what my eyes are telling me about the storm – they only show my own limitations.
However, the 3 things that had the greatest impact were simply these:
Some fear the wind, others harness it
Don’t judge the crew by how they perform in calm waters – but in rough waters
While a ship is safe in a harbor, it’s not what ships are made for…
Lead (well) in the storm.
#LeadWithPassion: Welcome your thoughts…
1) What has been the greatest challenge you have been able to lead through well?