Kayak Capsize and Leadership Development
In 2020, I was kayaking on Cape Cod and a huge gust of wind came out of no where! It had been 20 years since I had an unplanned capsize in my kayak. I have taught kayaking for 10 years in the past and have a solid roll in case I tip over. This was a very unique situation.
I was kayaking with some friends who are advanced paddlers in Nauset Marsh in Orleans and Eastham, MA, USA. It was sunny out with a slight breeze. As we were paddling through the marsh and closer to shore, I noticed a kayak paddle in the dunes on the edge of the water. I was the “sweep” paddler in the group (last in line) and thought the paddle may have belonged to one of my friends ahead of me. I put my paddle down in my lap, and as I reached out to grab the new found paddle, I leaned my boat just right and the strong wind gust grabbed it and flipped me over!
I would have normally rolled back up in my kayak, however, my paddle was not in my hands to accomplish this maneuver, as they were grabbing the new paddle. I also haven’t done an angel roll (without a paddle) for a few years, and was not in the right position to try.
I was in a full body dry suit (made of Gore-tex) and had the correct apparel and gear. I was not cold. I did what is known as a "wet exit" to get out of my capsized boat, and fought the current to swim to the dunes. Friends turned around and helped me get my boat out of the water to drain it, along with ensuring I was ok. I was fine; just a little surprised. I got back in my boat and continued the trip. I did gain a nice new Aquabound Sting Ray Kayak Paddle which was in like-new condition and retails for $150 USD. I was up a creek with two paddles by the end of this trip!
Why am I telling you this story and what does it have to do with my work or business?
Sometimes the world throws us unexpected curve balls that we cannot plan for. One example of this is the COVID-19 pandemic. No one knew this was coming. With my coaching of many leaders who work towards managing and planning for the unexpected, I often think of my work teaching Optimism, Resilience, and Grit. We will continue to have unexpected things happen to us as business owners, leaders and employees. I find that continuing to develop my optimism, resilience and grit for both kayaking and consulting helps me navigate the unexpected.
Optimism is the belief that one will generally experience good outcomes - that things will work out for the best. Those who are optimists have many benefits including living to age 100, taking fewer sick days, and feeling happier.
Optimism can be strengthened by being a positive forward thinker, having gratitude, and smiling more.
Resilience is our ability to bounce back during times of challenge. Benefits to resilience include a lower rate of depression and greater satisfaction in life.
You can build resilience by taking decisive action, taking care of yourself, and mainlining a hopeful outlook.
Grit is a focus on long-term goals through passion and perseverance. Grit has been found to be a key differentiator with high performers.
Grit can be strengthened by investing in adopting a growth mindset and asking for support.
Developing Optimism, Resilience, and Grit benefits you personally as an employee, in addition to the business bottom line of companies that you work for by increasing engagement, retention, and success with organizational change. These skills can be learned and strengthened at any time, no matter your age!
I will be back on the water kayaking on Cape Cod this week! We train and practice our kayak rescuing skills to prepare for the unplanned situations, and we can train ourselves in positive psychology.
Self-learning on this topic? Check out our new Digital Course Optimism, Resilience and Grit: Sustaining Success at Work and Home.
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About the Author:
Sarah Scala is a senior talent management leader and executive coach with 20+ years of experience providing organization development, change management, and leadership development solutions for diverse global and local industries. She is a collaborative consultant, coach, and educator supporting the performance transformation of executives, leaders, and teams. Sarah is a methodical, results-driven leader recognized for helping clients reach their highest potential, increase revenue, reduce turnover, elevate business profitability, build competencies, and improve performance.
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