Learn to Ride
Do you remember when you first learned to ride a bicycle? Put yourself back in the moment for a bit. Recall the challenge, the strain, the dust & dirt, the bruises and the anxiety. Try to recall the moment of “being ready” to take off your training wheels. For some of us we requested the freedom, for others the training wheels came off at the prodding of an adult in our lives. There was almost certainly the repeated attempts to balance and frustration (and possible injury) mounted with each fall. But at last… you did it! Either on your own or with the assistance of coach and a hand.
As a kid I came to own a full-sized, used, hand-me-down bmx… no training wheels. At five years old, the middle bar was almost as far up from the ground as I was. I am not sure where my dad acquired my bike, but once in possession he sent me on my way. It would be harsh to say I didn’t receive instructions or guidance, but I certainly don’t remember any. Two houses down from me lived a small red Schwinn bike and it’s owner was my friend Brian. His bike was new and perfect, especially in size. I can remember clearly the afternoon Brian’s dad took off his training wheels. We went to the small hill on the street near our houses and began by coasting down small sections near the bottom. Balance eventually came and we got some pressing words too that we wrestled to apply while our adrenaline was surging. This red Schwinn bike gave me confidence. The kind of confidence and experience I needed for riding my own… my full-sized bmx. Before long we were practiced professionals racing down the hill, skidding to stops and daring small jumps that would eventually lead to the loss of my front two teeth.
Leadership can be this same challenging, anxious, bruising, learning to ride type of experience. Sometimes it can start by receiving a post or position that is beyond your capabilities. At other times leadership starts with small attempts and challenges that grow as you gain experience and skills. Akin to bike riding, you can gain confidence and assistance by tapping into the experience of others who are already riding and enjoying the sport.
Save yourself some early pain. Your growth and training is the aim behind these articles and resources. I don’t have all the answers, so you won’t find me writing all the articles. My goal is to make your early experiences in leadership more rewarding through developing your insights, skill sets, knowledge and experience. Odds are you will still have some crashes that will cause some pain – these are unavoidable, even if you were to keep your training wheels on. But as you come to experience the thrill of leadership and glean from the insights of others, you will become a leader who enjoys reaching your full potential and a great number of victories. I look forward to counting you in as a leader who is learning and making positive impacts in your world!
- Keep reading & learning
- Start searching for a leadership mentor
- Go practice & apply what you are learning