Examples of Leadership are all around us. “Creating a path to achieve your vision.”

We can see leadership all around us, even as we exercise. As a leadership trainer, I am constantly looking for examples of leadership in action. Because I have been a public safety employee for forty years, I often fall into the trap of looking to our public officials or military for these examples. It is easy to forget that leadership knows no employment or activity restrictions. Examples of leadership are all around us. It is about the path we create and inspiring others to complete it.

I have been rock climbing for only a few years but I became hooked the first time up the wall. While outdoor climbing creates its own challenges, indoor climbing necessitates that “routes or problems” be set and changed on a regular basis to create new challenges for the climber. Climbers may call it a route or problem, but bothare terms meaning “a path to accomplish a goal.”

I was preparing to indoor climb yesterday when I saw a group of employees setting new routes on one section of the climbing walls. As I watched the process, I realized I was watching natural leadership in action.

The group consisted of a “setter” and three climbers. The setter has the responsibility to:

1. create a vision for the route
2. determine the complexity level of the problem (routes are rated in difficulty using a numeric system from beginner to expert)
3. determine the types of hand holds and foot jibs were appropriate for the route
4. assess how and where to apply the holds and jibs on the wall as well as how they intersect and impact other routes on the same wall
5. “set” the route

After initially setting the route, the setter allowed the climbers the opportunity to attempt to solve the problem. Even as experienced climbers, some were unable to solve it on their first attempt and most had suggestions for relocation of a hold or jib.

They also supported each other by offering suggestions on skill styles that might help them complete the problem as it set. The setter quietly stood by and listened to each climber’s critiques, offered enthusiasm and coached while they were climbing. After all of the climbers were satisfied they had exhausted their skills but could not complete the route, the setter challenged them with more motivation, coaching, demonstration of skills, and an explanation of how the setter herself envisioned success on that route problem. After more consideration, the setter made the final decision to adjust the placement of the holds and jibs, or to leave it as envisioned. When the setter was satisfied that the vision was complete, she placed her picture and signature on the wall to let others know who had created that route problem. The team moved on to set another route problem on the wall.

As a leader, she knew that her responsibilities were to create something that would challenge others to succeed by envisioning a path with direction and milestones along the route. To accomplish her goal, she employed her vision, experience, and a willingness to allow others to critique and offer suggestions for the refinement of her vision. Most importantly she challenged, coached, and listened to those attempting to solve the problem ensuring her vision was sound and achievable. When satisfied, she employed the route problem (vision) for others to enjoy by placing her picture on the wall and signing her name to let others know it was her responsibility.

Leadership examples are all around us. Where did you last see leadership in action at a place where you least expected it? We must open our eyes and realize that leaders and their skills come in many forms and through many people.