Where Leaders Excel

By Duane Zobrist

I had an interesting experience recently that reinforced the idea that, sometimes, even under the best leadership, problems can arise. On a recent spring day I boarded an eight passenger raft to spend the day on some pristine West Virginia white water.Our raft was giddy with anticipation as we honed our paddling skills. "All forward, back left-forward right, all back" shouted our experienced guide. The boat promptly responded and with pride in our paddling skills, the guide pointed the raft towards the first rapid.

Our team braved the early rapids well and had developed strong enough skills that the afternoon's big rapids would be passable. While our boat full of "Class A" personalities was prepared, the boat of teenagers form the local camp was not as confident. Their trip leader was very skilled, but evidently flustered by her inattentive team of teens.

Unfortunately, as if often the case in both business and life, the skills of the leader alone were not enough to keep this raft out of danger. As this well guided, but poorly paddled raft began its descent through the largest rapid of the day, the paddlers, decided to disregard their leader's direction. Within a split second, the rapids overpowered the guide and the raft careened towards the large protruding rock we were all told to avoid.

The pandemonium increased as the raft collided with the rock, and under the pressure of the water became pinned. Both paddlers and guide were ejected from the boat and as we floated by, the look of sheer terror was prominent. All the guides in the surrounding boats were rallied, swimming paddlers were recovered, the boat was unpinned and two hours later the trip resumed.

Often as leaders in an organization, you will face a similar dilemma. Your responsibilities are covered; your direct reports are doing fine and your revenue goals will be met, then it happens. You round the bend in the river, and you are headed for the rock. This is where true leaders excel. Are you able to rally those around you and avoid the rock, or will you end up, through no fault of your own, pinned?

Duane Zobrist is a consultant, speaker and adventurer. Duane has earned a reputation as a sought after speaker. His engaging style and use of experiential activities create lasting impressions and are often the catalyst for corporate or personal change. Learn more by visiting http://www.duanezobrist.com

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