Byron's Babbles

This weekend, for the finale summit trip of “THE Leadership Academy” program I facilitate for Hamilton Heights School Corporation, I named one of the activities, Navigating Challenges. The idea was that, just like a captain who must navigate navigate through changing waters, leaders can also learn to adapt to unforeseen challenges. The activity literally involved having a lunch celebration on a riverboat. Little did I know just how great that three hours was going to become.

As we boarded the BB Riverboats flagship, the Belle of Cincinnati, the captain greeted us and checked us in. This really impressed us, but it was a Captain’s Lunch Cruise, after all. Here was the leader of the ship personally checking every person in. Those that know me won’t be surprised that I got into a conversation with the captain. The conversation led to us to being invited to visit the captain on the bridge. By now I was giddy – we had been invited to the bridge! I also set a goal of wanting to blow the ship’s horn.

After a wonderful lunch celebrating the group, enjoying the beginning of the cruise and Banjo Bob’s narration and music for a little while we ventured to the bridge. I called up to the captain and he gave us permission to climb to the bridge. Here we were, where it all happens – the navigation and steering of the ship. Our entire group was so eager to learn about everything. Our Captain generously discussed each piece of navigational device and each steering component. We were at the nerve center of the ship.

There on the bridge I viewed the rope used to make the ship’s horn blow. First, I must remind you of a Byron Rule: “The answer is always no, until you ask.” So I asked the Captain if I could blow the horn. He said, “No, there has to be a reason to blow the horn.” The captain then proceeded to give us an incredible lesson. He told us that when facing adverse conditions or an obstacle we must, “deal with it.”

Participants in our group asked questions about how our Captain dealt with it. He told us the key was to adapt and overcome. I asked again if I could blow the horn. He didn’t answer. The Captain proceeded to give us a strong leadership lesson on using our decision-making skills to effectively navigate adverse conditions. Here area few of the notes I jotted down while he was teaching us:

1. Assessment of Situations: The captain continuously monitors weather patterns, river conditions, and any potential hazards. Accurate assessment helps in making informed decisions.
2. Communication: Clear communication with the crew is essential. The captain must convey instructions, maintain morale, and ensure everyone understands their roles during challenging times.
3. Calm Under Pressure: A good captain remains calm and composed, which instills confidence in the passengers and crew. This helps prevent panic and promotes rational decision-making.
4. Strategic Planning: The captain develops contingency plans, identifying safe routes or alternative actions to take if conditions worsen.
5. Teamwork and Delegation: A captain relies on their crew, delegating tasks efficiently and encouraging collaboration to ensure all hands are on deck.
6. Experience and Training: Drawing on previous experiences and training, the captain uses lessons learned from past situations to guide their current actions. The Captain even explained how he would create scenarios for himself to prepare for adverse conditions, obstacles, or equipment failure/malfunction. This impressed us because he was not relying on someone to do this for him.
7. Use of Technology: Utilizing navigation tools and technology to gather real-time data helps the captain make better decisions.
8. Flexible Decision-Making: The captain must remains adaptable, ready to change tactics as new information emerges or conditions evolve.

The Captain concluded by saying, “Don’t let it get to you because you have peoples lives at stake.” What a lesson on navigating challenges, changing waters, and adverse conditions to ensure the safety and success of the voyage. Just then he stated that we were coming upon another vessel approaching us from the opposing course. The Captain stated that on his command I could give the horn a five second blast (see photo). I got my wish! Don’t forget, the answer is always no until you ask.