Embracing the Journey
A while back, in a leadership book club I used to facilitate...our group was discussing several key components of the importance of leading with purpose. We were collectively intrigued by how the author emphasized the importance of an organization keeping the core purpose of everything it does at the fore...because ultimately that's what resonates with people. As we were discussing the content, I had a flashback to a discussion that I was having with a former lead. At the time, he sat me down and said, "Got a minute? You really need to check out these YETI videos on YouTube.” Naturally, I was skeptical and internally questioning why we were about to watch a bunch of commercials.
That said, this individual frequently surprised me with intriguing, unexpected content and I had some intrigue about what he was about to share. It took about two minutes and I was hooked. Each short film told an immersive story...and a fascinating one at that. Some were more appealing to me than others, but all shared one thing in common. They dove deep into the narrative of each subject’s life story and placed an emphasis on some connection to the wild. These were simply high quality, short films about people who frequently engage with the wilderness and the outdoors in general.
Fast forward to this past year when I shared the film Denali’s Raven with a group of Manager’s at our organization’s annual Leaders Conference. The theme of the presentation focused on embracing the journey of leadership, all while we go through various seasons of life. Those in formal leadership roles know very well that there are plenty of ups and downs. We navigate making difficult decisions, creating buy-in, navigating emotions, and supporting teams to the best of our ability…all while navigating our own goals, ambitions, and personal responsibilities outside of work. Every stage of life creates new challenges. Buying a house, moving to a new town, choosing to have children, providing care for aging parents. The list goes on. I knew sharing these videos struck a nerve when one of our VPs shortly afterword form a mother’s group to talk about the dance between personal and professional roles. She was inspired to share her challenges and successes with others, and quickly launched a special interest club to do just that.
Each season of life introduces new roles to embrace. Don’t get so caught up on future aspirations that you forget to embrace and appreciate what you have today.
Speaking of the personal side of life, I love getting lost on a trail. There’s no better way for me to detach than to trek down a path in the woods, mountains, or an walk out on the natural prairie my father has established on his acreage in my home State of Iowa.
Much like leadership, any journey is chock full of challenges. You might run into mud, overgrown pathways, insects, snakes, etc. That said, there tend to be moments of brilliance as well. A beautiful sunset, a close encounter with a reclusive animal you might not see outside of its natural habitat, or simply connecting with some of the more calming aspects of nature. The babble of water on a small creek, an aging bridge covered in ivy, the harmony of birds in the wilderness. Leadership, much like a trip on the trail will also have ups and downs.
Back to how this connects to the YETI Presents series. The stories are engaging, the cinematography is outstanding, and when you're done watching you feel a little inspired to go outside. To experience something different. To take a chance that you might get stuck in the rain…but that you might also experience something beautiful. Some will strike a chord on an emotional level.
Another great YETI film, In Current, has more connections to how we learn and grow in our career and leadership journey. The short film does this this by focusing on an apprentices journey learning to pilot a wooden dory on the Grand Canyon. Spoiler, it’s not an easy path, but she’s absolutely in love with what she does. You can hear the passion in her voice as she describes her aspirations to be a lead dory captain.
When individuals, organizations, and companies stir emotion in us...we respond. So what's the takeaway? It's important to remember the why behind what we do, both as individuals and in some cases as leaders of small businesses or major organizations. Take some time to reflect on your why. How well are you living a life that allows you to be your full authentic self? Are you telling the life story you really set out to write? If you lead a team or an organization...how well are you broadcasting the purpose of your company, business, or non-profit? When that why is front and center, and it resonates with people...amazing things start to happen.
