The Journey

 

 
Welcome to the latest installment of Zip Zag!  When asked, “Why is zip lining considered a leadership exercise or team building?” I typically answer with a question of my own, “Have you ever experienced a true adventure before? What did you feel like at the beginning/end of that adventure? Most times people answer with specifics about their trip while missing the point. The lesson to be learned from these adventures is rooted in the spectrum of emotions that one experiences while adventuring.
 
Most of our customers at Empower Adventures in Middleburg, Virginia exhibit feelings of apprehension and anxiety at the start of the zip line canopy tour experience. Most of them gradually transition to a self-defiant way of mustering courage in order to step off the Empower Tower and start the zip line journey. Eventually most of our guests find peace and appreciation of the adventure experience somewhere along the way prior to returning to terra firma. It is the growth from this emotional journey that is critical to the development of the participant and will give the individual an increased level of confidence and emotional calmness the next time they are confronted with an emotional test (whether it is an adventure or not!).These types of decisions, although tough to make and nerve-wracking to get through, make us stronger, more confident, better leaders of ourselves and others. Better leaders you ask?
 
Yes! And here is why:
 
Leadership training in any good organization starts with the individual team members. These team members must know how to lead oneself through adversity, challenge and fear. Once you become a master at handling these situations within, you become better suited to guide a team through difficult times. To lead others, one must be able to deal with various situations internally, temper emotions, formulate a plan to deal with the situation and communicate that plan without hesitation. This is exactly the process world famous adventure athletes use to overcome an intimidating rock face or a challenging set of rapids and the same process ordinary people can use to overcome a challenging situation at home or work.
 
Choosing to take on an adventure provides people the opportunity to practice this leadership sequence. And when done collectively as a group can become a very powerful team development exercise. Leadership sports are a fun way to practice taking on challenges and overcoming fears. These types of adventures allow participants to push themselves to the brink and to see how well they are able to coach themselves through challenge and adversity.
 
The next time you want to do something fun yet challenging and uplifting, find a leadership sport to play. No bats or balls required just bring your courage and your desire to get out of your comfort zone! The result will be a feeling empowerment and the excitement of accomplishing something substantial. The self-confidence and self-assurance that comes along with it will become energizing and give you the focus and motivation you need to tackle real world problems at home, in the office or elsewhere.
 
For more information about Empower Adventures in Middleburg, Virginia visit us on Facebook.
 
Zip On!
 
Joe DeRing