Some years we are fortunate to have glare ice, where the entire lake is smooth and beautiful for skating. With the world around quiet and still, I’m reminded of how often the journey to success mirrors the delicate balance between risk and reward. Just like skating on a lake, each decision we make in our careers, teams, and personal growth involves taking steps on uncertain ground. But when we approach these moments with focus, resilience, and a sense of balance, we unlock the true potential of what lies ahead.
Embracing the Uncertainty
Skating on a frozen lake can be a metaphor for leadership and decision-making—uncertain, but exhilarating. In the world of business, leadership, or personal development, uncertainty is often inevitable. The key is not to avoid it, but to embrace it, knowing that each step, while filled with unknowns, brings growth and new opportunities.
In my professional development programs, I encourage individuals to adopt this mindset. When teams or leaders face uncertain situations, it’s crucial to step forward with confidence, analyzing the risks, but never being paralyzed by them. Every new project or leadership role presents a metaphorical frozen lake that, once skated on, reveals a smooth path ahead.
Building Resilience Through Changes
Skating isn’t always effortless. Sometimes, you’ll stumble, and on occasion pressure ice cracks form under your skates. But with resilience, you get back up and adjust your technique to move forward. The same principle applies to the challenges we face in our professional lives. It’s easy to become discouraged when things don’t go according to plan, but resilience is the ability to adapt, learn from mistakes, and continue pressing forward.
I emphasize the importance of fostering resilience within teams. Whether it’s through continuous learning, maintaining open communication, or setting realistic goals, building a resilient team ensures that challenges, setbacks, and failures become stepping stones rather than obstacles.
The Power of Focus and Balance
Skating requires focus. A lack of balance can quickly turn a joyful glide into a tumble. Similarly, professional development requires focus and balance between tasks, relationships, and long-term goals. When we focus on what matters most and maintain balance, we avoid burnout and make meaningful progress toward our objectives.
In leadership and team development, I teach individuals to prioritize and maintain a healthy work-life balance, to keep their focus sharp, and to direct their energy in the right places. Just as skating requires you to stay centred and in control, leading a team or managing a project requires the same level of discipline and focus.
Keep Your Skates Sharp
Skating on a frozen lake may seem like a simple, solitary activity, but it offers profound insights into how we can approach life and leadership. Embracing uncertainty, building resilience, and staying focused and balanced are key components to navigating both the smooth and rough patches of our professional journeys. Just like skating, success comes not from avoiding the risks but from moving forward with confidence, knowing that with each step, we’re getting closer to the goals we’ve set.