A former pastor of mine, Timothy Teague, recently described his observations of a kayak guide in Tybee Island, Georgia. People of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels came aboard the kayak not fully knowing what was in store for them. Yet, they trusted the kayak leader. One would think that the leader would do a bulk of paddling, but this was not the case. The trusting sojourners paddled for themselves. Most striking was that the guide was facing backwards while leading and giving instructions to his kayakers. The kayak leader did not have to turn around because he had been there before. He could determine where he was just because of the surroundings. The leader led the kayakers from their point of entry to their point of departure, while keeping them safe and helping them gain confidence and experience.
The whole scene he describes is a striking picture of what leadership looks like (or ought to look like). How many times do we define leadership in terms of “us up there” and them “down there?” Do we lead with our backs turned? Or do we want to be the center of attention doing all of the paddling? Are we empowering people to grow, or just to stay on the shore not risking anything? Are we creating an environment where people feel as though they will “return safely” and can trust our guidance? And do we realize that we have too have traveled through the river led by another “kayak leader” named Jesus?
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ReplyDeleteThis is a very intriguing article by Timothy Teague. It is interesting to use of observations of a kayaking guide in Tybee Island, Georgia in leading his followers on a kayaking trip. Especially facing backwards while leading and giving instructions to his kayakers I think is an interesting technique. It appears as though he was saying I am only here to guide if needed, you are in charge of the journey. We have learned this past quarter in leadership that we must come to the point of being able to fully trust those that are given the responsibility to lead. We have also learned that those that are given the responsibility to lead desire to be trusted. So the questions you asked are very thought provoking. “Are we creating an environment where people feel as though they will ‘return safely’ and can trust our guidance?” I am reminded of Peter observing Jesus walking on the water and Peter’s desire for Jesus to bid him to come. When Peter began to sink, and called out to Jesus, then Jesus gave assistance. Perhaps we can learn a lesson from Jesus’ leadership. Our followers should be confident that when they call out for help, we will assist
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