The experience of building a shelter left a deep impression on me. Why? For starters, it was not easy. There we were, six women, totally unprepared. All along we had been determined that it was not going to rain. But as it is often in life or in business, wishful thinking does not cut the mustard.

Let’s talk about the obstacles. We had picked a camp site that had no trees standing close together. We had no stakes or sticks. But, we did have two small tarps, a lot of rope and a few bungee cords. We were persistent with a strong vision and the driving rain as an impetus. Without much communication we started to put the tarps together. The first few attempts failed, but soon we had them tied together and with a few wooden poles fashioned from tree limbs we were able to design a balanced system that would keep the tarps leveled and in place. The space that we created was just big enough for six chairs and a little table and a lot of laughter.

No more than two hours later the rain stopped. We then took a swim in the river (chance to wash the mud off) and dried ourselves by the fire. What fun it was to pretend to be on Survivor for a moment…….SURVIVOR ALLEGHENY!

Here is what I learned from this experience:
1. Without a vision, success is hard to come by.
2. Perfection is not needed to achieve success.
3. Clear communication will aid the process.
4. Maintain positive attitude even in the face of despair.
5. Practice makes perfect.
6. Apply effort as a team.
7. Success is in the eye of the beholder.
8. Review the outcomes and its processes.
9. Celebrate your successes.
10. Have fun.

It is easy to apply these simple principles to an annual camping trip where nothing other than a little discomfort is really at stake. But what about leading a small business or even a large corporation, where do the principles fit in here?

I believe many executives and business owners have forgotten some of these simple principles. Pressure from above, the numbers game, looking good or getting ahead have taken over. More than ever before organizations are scrambling in search of good leaders. Executive coaching and leadership development are in demand more now than ever as we become less effective in leading our own lives.

People also don’t like to work in teams. People want to look good and receive individual recognition. The natural inclination is to want to be the leader, but every good team needs followers, supporters and cooperators as well as leaders. Unfortunately, few people aspire to be the follower or supporter.

Years ago when I was training to become a seminar facilitator, one of the senior facilitators told me a little secret. “Barbara”, he said, “You will be approved to facilitate for our company when you can demonstrate that you can facilitate your own life”. At age 25 I thought I was up to the challenge. Oh, how very naïve I was.

As we are moving into the season of change, I challenge you to take a look at the areas of your life where you are not “facilitating” your own life. Professionally or personally, where do you need to become more of a leader, follower, supporter or cooperator?? The results could pay off in unexpected ways. Try on a different color this autumn.

“The world is simply a dream that we have agreed to experience together. The dream disappears when we withdraw our awareness from it”.

Rumi

Take a look at the areas of your life that are not working for you. Where could you be more of a leader, follower, supporter or cooperator??

Experiment and see what it is like to slip into one of the other roles.

"The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing."

Albert Einstein