Recently a friend and I were canoeing together for the first time.
The guide gave us some brief and vague instructions. I was to navigate and my partner was to steer.
“I shouted, “Left, right,” or “rock ahead.” Luckily there were no icebergs. My canoe mate periodically did not anticipate the time needed to turn the canoe. We occasionally would meet the side of the river.
We only got stuck once and another canoe had to rescue us as I put my paddle out for them to pull us toward movement.
We laughed, got agitated and had fun. Luckily neither of us got wet or went in the water like some of our fellow canoeing mates.
This experience reinforced some team and communication skills.
- It is important to look ahead and anticipate what might get you stuck or stop you.
- Asking for assistance is often necessary to keep moving.
- Don’t wait too late to get the message and take action. Start planning in advance.
- Keep the dialogue going with team members. Everyone needs to know the direction you’re headed.
- Have fun and do not take things too seriously.
Like a work or personal relationship, canoeing takes the ability to communicate and navigate rocky waters.