TRANSITION RIVER
To realize we are in ‘transition’ is to know we are in a wild, free flowing river filled with obstacles, currents, and shoals around every bend. Whether it be transitioning from generation to generation, exiting a business or maturing as an individual or family, the ride down the wild river is necessary to the vital life of people everywhere. Rivers ebb and flow, in stretches peaceful and quiet, other times roaring and pouring over unseen rocks and boulders.
My role in transitions is that of a professional river guide, well trained in the ways of the river with expertise as how to best navigate through the turbulence. The first job as a wilderness river guide is to prepare the crew by creating the right boat to launch in the river. Our boat must be built with agreements around safety, trust, respect, patience, willingness, real-time learning, open hearts and minds. Everyone must understand and agree that on the river there are no heroes, martyrs or victims. Everyone has a leadership responsibility, gifts they contribute to the journey and everyone makes decisions that serve the viability of the whole.
At times the river guide will tell a story that may inspire hope and optimism in the journey, other times the guide is responsible to challenge and hold the crew accountable to the agreements that have been made. The guide also recognizes spots on the river to pull ashore, rest and notice the beauty of the river running by.
“Everyone has a leadership responsibility, gifts they contribute to the journey and everyone makes decisions that serve the viability of the whole.”
It is the whole hearted engagement with the river that reveals strengths, capacities and compassion not found in any other way. Each stretch of river that is successfully navigated creates confidence in navigating the next. A wise guide knows that the real rewards on the river are not found in having ‘gotten through’ but in what is discovered during the process. The river provides insight into yourself, into yours fears and will ultimately reveal a profound sense of meaning and purpose in your life.
