Where are you Heading?

Robert Perkins author of Into The Great Solitude  had time to reflect on such a question during his 73-day solo canoe trek through the Canadian tundra down the Back River.  He had time on a landscape with bigger forces than himself to ask a series of questions that provided him direction, who am I – self reflection is powerful when you’re by yourself for ten weeks.  Having time to think about who you are is the first step in providing direction, if you can’t answer, you become confused or lost.  Which leads into his next point while navigating into a larger body of water that took on the shape of a large lake with no distinguishing landmarks.  Everything looked the same and it was here where he realized the difference between lost and confused, if you’re confused, others have the ability to help, if lost, there is nobody who can help.  In this case, knowing who he was and having the wherewithal to look at a map and retrace his route allowed him to get back on route.  Finally and perhaps most importantly knowing where you’re going.  Navigating into a place you’ve never been can be daunting and quite frankly overwhelming.  Knowing who you are and understanding the difference between lost and confused is entirely up to you on determining where you head. 

I read this book years ago and apparent this week - while visiting our schools during Let’s Talks - informal meetings with no agenda allowing employees to ask any question - these questions apply in professional climates.  I was humbled by the passion, commitment and dedication of our employees which confirmed our organization knows who we are and most importantly where we are going through the efforts of our employees.