I’ve talked to a number of leaders this week who are 110% done
first published at…
https://photos.app.goo.gl/LzmgE9zuBfE2Wm518
I had the GREAT privilege and pleasure of helping my 11-year old son, Reuben, bag his first 14'er in Colorado just a few weeks ago. As it was the hardest physical challenge Reuben had ever faced, we made a pact — he set the pace. Mt. Quandary is a 7.5 mile out & back with a 3,300 foot gain to an altitude of 14,265'. The last mile has just enough false summits to utterly dash a novice’s hopes and we stopped 10+ times to eat, drink, pant like dogs, grumble, consider defeat, and cry. At about 1/10th of a mile and 200 feet of gain from the top, Reuben was 110% done. We sat down together and did our best to celebrate how far we’d come. After the rest of our party returned from the summit, I decided to solo to the top. I summited, took in the view, and turned around to behold an unexpected site: Reuben! He still can’t explain what compelled him to finish. As his uncle tells the story, he just stood up and started walking.
I’ve talked to a number of leaders this week who are 110% done. The false summits, the lack of oxygen, and the sheer exertion are just too much. In this post, I don’t have a word for leaders. I have a word for followers. When your leaders “can’t do it anymore”, gently affirm them, and keep going. They need a tow rope of hope and courage that only you can provide.
