This is not a drill. It’s a moment of unimaginable change. We can’t predict what’s going to happen from one day to the next, much less control it. It feels like a Class 5 rapid after a major rainstorm – fast, fierce, and totally unpredictable.
I grew up in Southern West Virginia, home to some of the most exciting rafting rivers in the country. As a teenager, I spent a lot of time in a raft, navigating through the rapids under the watchful eyes of an expert guide. As we navigate the muddy waters of the current moment, there is some wisdom to be derived from the lessons of the river.
Lesson 1: Conditions are always changing
River guides need to train constantly because the river conditions can fluctuate dramatically with a mere inch or two of water. Because of this, they are continually looking ahead and trying to anticipate the next obstacle. They can’t see around the next bend, only what’s a few feet in front of them, so that’s where they put their attention.
In moments of acute uncertainty, it’s easy for the team to become paralyzed, not wanting to move for fear of doing the wrong thing. It’s not the time to talk about the long-term vision or the big, big goals. Instead, focus on what’s knowable and doable now.
Lesson 2: Sometimes it’s okay to be directive
Most of the time, leaders should ask more questions and provide fewer answers. In moments of intense uncertainty, however, sometimes providing direction is the best way to support a team. River guides teach passengers that when they yell “Paddle Right”, it’s not open for debate. A second’s delay may mean the difference between successful navigation of a rapid or flipping the boat.
To know whether your team needs direction from you, engage with them regularly to assess how they handle ambiguity and whether their instincts are aligned with yours. If you think they’ve got it, build their confidence and express your availability to support. There will be plenty of others who need your attention.
Lesson 3: Watch one another’s backs
The raft guide can only look in one direction at a time, and usually that’s forward. They can’t monitor everyone’s performance while successfully steering the boat. It’s up to the passengers to watch out for one another and help ensure that everyone makes it successfully ashore.
Sports, especially intense ones like rafting, invoke our competitive spirit. We are driven to outperform one another and to look good while doing it. This neither works in a raft nor in an organization. The required mindset is that we all succeed together or we all fail together. There are no individual winners and losers.
Leaders can reinforce this “one for all” mindset by reminding the group of the common challenge – the environment is not getting any easier – and reinforcing the team’s commitment to riding it out together. It’s more critical than ever to avoid back channel conversations or appearing to play favorites.
Lesson 4: Yes, you’re going to get wet
No one finishes a rafting trip without getting wet. Translated into the professional setting, that means everyone is going to be uncomfortable in some moments. It’s natural. What’s most important is that we ride those moments out together – it’s all part of the journey.