I recently had an interesting dream. In the dream I was on top of a very large hill overlooking a lake. A man was chasing me and we were struggling over a small parachute, the kind used in kite-surfing, sometimes called parachute-surfing. I managed to gain control of the parachute and deploy it, just in time to get away from him. Being that it was a small parachute, it would take me up in the air and then drop me back down in short bursts. I was often being dragged on the ground until I cold get back on my feet.
My pursuer was hot on my trail. As I came down the hill toward the lake, I was not sure what to do; but the wind picked-up and took me high up into the sky and across a section of the lake towards an opposing shoreline. As I was up in the air, I had my eyes clinched tight, scared because of the situation I was in. I opened one eye and saw myself very high in the air and descending rapidly downward, fear filled my heart and …I awoke.
From a leadership perspective, I was left wondering about parachutes. Parachutes are often used in the financial planning world as an analogy to financially protect oneself or ones family from disasters that could hurt them.
As leaders and individuals we all have a lot of strings to manage and keep taught. We have many relationships to carefully watch over. There are competitors and sometimes colleagues, chasing after us. There is a huge demand for our time, and forces that often blow us in many directions, yet leave us feeling alone. So I have to wonder, what is your leadership parachute that can help you escape disaster?
Perhaps it is a coach that can help you gain perspective on problems in the business. Perhaps it is a “second in command” or other key employee that has your back and will help you climb out of the holes that you get stuck into. Perhaps your parachute is an activity that grounds you, such as a sport, or a learning resource. Perhaps it is a friend or family member.
Parachutes can come in all shapes and sizes. It is important that you know what your parachute is so that you can grab it when the world seems after you.
What is your parachute? When has your parachute gotten you out of a sticky situation in business or life? Please share your thoughts below to help inspire others.
About Todd Nielsen
A parachute makes an unexpected landing softer. It might not be perfect, but it gives us more security.
In this sense, plan B to business is what parachute to life is. It might not be the ideal business situation, but it takes care of the unexpected and gives us more psychological security.
Many years ago I completed an MBTI indicator and went on to qualify to deliver the instrument.
It taught me that most people who opposed me did so because they genuinely disagreed with me – not simply to annoy me ;^)
Asking someone for “their point of view” has been my parachute saving me on many occasions when someone else’s insights beat the hell out of my thinking!
Great Article Todd,
I agree with you, everyone should have a parachute because we face sometimes diffecult situations with dead ends. Keep up the good work.
Regards,
Tareq AlOun
Kuwait
Great post Todd! My most trusted parachute is a combination of my faith, as well as the words of great leadership mentors such as you. The value you add in the words that you share puts wind to my sails. Thank you
Love this, Todd. I think about having financial, spiritual, physical, emotional parachutes all designed to help us out. After all, you never know when some guy will be chasing you in a dream!
Well Written Todd. I totally agree with your thoughts that one should hold leadership parachute to overcome any sticky situations both in business & life.
My parachute in business is my coach/mentor, who inspires me by his words & actions and shapes me to be more stronger by strategic & unparalleled thinking. My life parachute is my wife who gave a whole new meaning to my existence by continuous guidance & support 24/7.
– Dhinakar
My most important parachute is long-distance running! When I'm out there in the woods by myself I really feel the connection between body and soul, to the bigger picture and what is really important in life. It puts things into perspecive and allows me to breath freely. It makes me understand that whatever happens at work, I'm a human being with the capability of moving fast and far, and that's an amazing feeling! Running makes me wiser, smarter, stronger, and more balanced in all parts of life.
Great article Todd Nielsen. God is my parachute. I also depend a lot on my wife for support and guidance.
Great Kevin!