In this four-part series, I offer leadership lessons for you to contemplate as you experience the ocean, a river, a waterfall, or a lake. Join the conversation on what water can teach us as we navigate the sunny summer months. What are you learning this summer?

The Ocean (1 of 4 Parts) – Leadership Lessons in a Rip Current

I recently enjoyed a trip to Costa Rica and the amazing Imiloa Institute. One day while at the beach, several of us ventured out into the waves. We knew there was the potential for a rip current at this beach. While checking on another swimmer, I suddenly found myself being pulled into the rip current.

As I began the slow process of swimming parallel to the shore, I kept my mind focused. Much of what I thought about is a part of my leadership practices. I had two strategies, and each was served by four key principles. My two strategies were: take advantage of each wave to propel forward, and between waves, swim parallel to the beach. In hindsight, the four key principles that I focused on were:

1. Remain very intentional about strategies. Whether leading ourselves or others, conviction and intention matter. If a strategy has been developed to drive a desired outcome, all steps in that direction, each small goal, will incrementally impact progress.
2. Be hyper observant of everything happening around me. Circumstances change, conditions change, and leaders are expected to keep a keen eye on the environment. Knowing exactly when to pivot hinges on sharp observations.
3. Maintain calm, keeping a clear mind, dispelling any negative or unhelpful thoughts. The best way to remain calm in challenging situations is to regulate breathing. If breath is coming too quickly, slow it down by taking a deep inhalation and exhaling all that does not serve you in the moment. Repeat until a feeling of calm pervades.
4. Persevere while believing in my strengths and skills, as well as the plan I had formulated. Owning one’s strengths helps to provide clarity and confidence. Know what you are good at and capable of doing.

Have you ever experienced the pull of a rip current?

What principles did you lean on?

A River (2 of 4 Parts) – Leadership Lessons in the Flow of a River

In the summer months, I am privileged to live on the Henry’s Fork River of the Snake River in Idaho. I view a wide, flat part of the river. Somedays it barely appears to be moving because I only see the surface. I watch boats and birds float into the small cove on the far bank, where an eddy leads them. As I witness the actions of the humans, eagles, swans, ducks, gulls, insects, river otters, and muskrats, I am reminded of six leadership truths:

1. Grace on the surface may be related to turbulence beneath. The swans glide by majestically while paddling like crazy below the surface. We do not always know what turmoil someone, or a team may be experiencing.
2. Something unseen may create a snag. This happens to my fly line frequently. Snags can occur in my work life, and what matters most is how I respond to them.
3. Some momentum may take you elsewhere. The water that creates an eddy pulls anything that floats by (including me) in a new direction. I get to decide if this works for me, or if I prefer to stay the course.
4. Everything passes. The river never stops flowing. This is the only constant, and it gives me peace to know the same is true with challenges – they too shall pass.
5. Nothing passes the same way twice. Every bird, boat, bug, is different from those I saw yesterday, and experiencing the river differently than those who came before. The same holds true for my interactions with colleague and clients.
6. If it does not serve you, let it go. The water washes over rocks and reeds, some tumble forward and join the flow. They release. I know I can release any thoughts or emotions that no longer serve me in a positive way.

How does any one of these truths support you?

Has one of them been a great reminder for you this summer?

A Waterfall (3 of 4 Parts) – Leadership Lessons from a Waterfall

Who doesn’t love waterfalls? They fascinate me regardless of height, width, or volume. The power and persistence of the water smooths rocks, creates channels, and softens the surface of the bottom. The water goes where it wants to go – always forward with great conviction. While it might appear in a rush on the descent, it oftentimes pools calmly before proceeding downstream. When the flowing water meets boulders, it goes around them. It may tumble and dislodge some obstructions. The actions of the water in a waterfall bring to mind six points of wisdom I have learned as a leader:

1. There is always a way around barriers. I find excitement in accepting the challenge to find the best path.
2. Repetition smooths or softens obstacles. We are creatures of habit. Change no longer feels different or awkward once we make the new way part of our routine.
3. Persistence can create an easier path forward. The waterfall never gives up. I watch the water flow and know I can forge forward too.
4. There will be barriers to forward motion/success that need to be removed. Sometimes going around a barrier means it remains (for you or others to experience again). I like to assess the value of fully removing an obstacle, which might include a time/cost/benefit analysis.
5. There is freedom in taking a leap forward. The water appears blissful as it descends, sometimes inspiring the light to cast a rainbow in the mist it creates. When we let go of what is holding us back, we are that light.
6. After a rush or push forward, it is wise to pause before proceeding (cautiously). The water that pools at the base of a waterfall makes me feel it is contemplating its next move, perhaps even resting and reveling in the accomplishment of the freefall. I try to practice this pause daily, particularly after an achievement.

Which of these resonates most with you?

Which have you experienced recently?

A Lake (4 of 4 Parts) – Leadership Lessons on a Lake or Pond

I frequent Golden Lake in Harriman State Park, where swans congregate. This lake is pristine and still. The reflection of swans and their cygnets is awe inspiring. I particularly enjoy when the lilies pop and the watercress blooms wave above the surface. Beyond the wildlife that mesmerizes, lakes tend to be reflective and peaceful. Any movement generates more movement – some can be seen, and some is below the surface. Although the water of lakes and ponds is contained, weather and inhabitants can change how it appears. The slightest disruption to the surface can cause a ripple to the furthest shore. A lake reminds me of the importance of my actions and words.

I offer four quotes to contemplate as you dangle your feet off the dock into a beloved lake. How do these thoughts impact you as a leader?

1. Newton’s 3^rd Law – “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” I try to keep this in mind when I make decisions that may impact others.
2. Baltasar Gracian – “Self-reflection is the school of wisdom.” Reflection is also the main informant for my self-awareness. What have I learned today? What value did I offer?
3. Cesar Chavez – “Our language is the reflection of ourselves.” Yes! I wrote a book that explores this in depth and helps improve one’s internal narrative: The Words We Choose: Your Guide to How and Why Words Matter.
4. Dalai Lama – “Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.” It feels so good to know that the ripple effect of your contribution serves others and makes a difference. We have many moments each day for our pebble to be one of kindness.

I hope you have enjoyed this four-part summer series of leadership lessons. Join us on LinkedIn and Instagram for centering thoughts to spark daily contemplation.

Our vision is to ignite and sustain the inner wisdom of leaders worldwide. We do this by living our mission to serve leaders in the evolution of their intuitive intelligence by creating opportunities to integrate inspired thought, education, and practice.