A couple of weeks ago, I found myself on the waters of Lake Michigan, fishing for trout and salmon. What I didn't expect was to walk away with a few powerful business lessons. Leadership, much like fishing, is filled with moments of struggle, triumph, and unexpected insights. Here’s what I learned while trying to land my "big catch."
1. The Weight of Responsibility: Knowing When to Help
I stood on the deck, watching my family reel in their catches one by one. The air buzzed with excitement as fish after fish was brought on board, each one bigger than the last. My heart pounded with anticipation as I waited for my turn, imagining the thrill of the fight and the satisfaction of landing that perfect catch. Finally, it was my turn. I gripped the rod with determination, ready to prove myself.
As I began to reel in what I believed was a massive catch, I felt the weight of the fish pulling hard against me. The reel slipped slightly in my hands, but I pushed on, adjusting my grip, determined not to let go. The encouragement from my family only fueled my resolve. But as the battle wore on, the rod felt heavier, and my grip started to falter. The reel began to slip more, my hands struggling to keep control.
Despite my best efforts, I could feel the fish gaining the upper hand. I turned to my husband, desperation in my voice, and admitted I was losing my grip. He urged me to keep trying, assuring me that I could do it. I pressed on, every muscle straining, but the weight was too much. A couple more times, I pleaded for help, and after what felt like eternity (probably a couple minutes), my husband stepped in. He held the rod steady, taking on the brunt of the weight so I could continue reeling.
After what felt several more minutes, I finally pulled in my "big catch"—only to discover it wasn’t a fish at all, but a tangled mess of line caught deep below.
The letdown was crushing. All that effort, the cheering, the struggle, and this was all I had to show for it.
In business, we often want to empower our team members to learn and grow through their struggles. We believe in them, cheer them on, and want them to succeed on their own. But sometimes, that belief isn’t enough. Our team members may not have the strength or the skill set to tackle a challenge on their own. When they reach out for help, it’s a humbling moment for them, and as leaders, we must decide whether to continue cheering or to step in and share the weight. There’s no perfect formula for this decision, but it’s crucial to be ready to support when it’s truly needed.
2. Disappointment in the Face of Hard Work
The letdown was crushing. I had envisioned reeling in a trophy-worthy trout, something to proudly hold up for pictures. Instead, I was left with nothing more than a long, tangled line from deep below. My heart sank as I realized this was all I had to show for my efforts. I had worked so hard, begged for help, and had the whole family watching, only to end up empty-handed.
In business, we sometimes fight and persevere, only to be met with disappointment. Projects that seemed promising can unravel, and efforts that worked for others may not work for us. When that happens, we have to decide whether to reel in again or let that one failure dictate our future. Just like on the water, we need to keep going, to try again, because every new effort carries the possibility of success.
3. The Power of Surrounding Yourself with the Right People
Fishing with skilled people was a game-changer. They knew the right tools, the best spots to fish, and the specific techniques to use for different types of fish. If I had been out there with the wrong equipment or no guidance, my chances of success would have been slim.
In business, surrounding yourself with skilled mentors and team members is invaluable. They provide the tools, support, and insights that increase your chances of success. Just like in fishing, having the right people around you can make all the difference.
4. Every Battle is Different
As the least experienced fisher, I watched my family members reel in their catches and expected my battle to look the same. I quickly realized I hadn’t developed the same strength, and my line was tangled deep below, unlike the fish they had been pulling in. The challenges I faced were different from theirs, and so were the outcomes.
In business, it’s easy to compare our battles with those of others, but we forget that each battle is unique. Others may have strengths, tools, or experiences that we haven’t yet developed, leading to different outcomes. What matters most is showing up as the best version of ourselves, ready to tackle the challenges in front of us.
Fishing on Lake Michigan taught me more than I expected about leadership and perseverance. Whether it’s knowing when to support your team, dealing with disappointment, or recognizing the value of surrounding yourself with skilled people, these lessons are just as applicable in business as they are on the water. Leadership is about more than just steering the ship; it’s about knowing when to lend a hand, when to let go, and when to keep fighting.
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