22 Feb Step Up and Step Back
Last Saturday, taking full advantage of the beautiful weather in Phoenix, we decided to go on a family hike. We chose one called Tom’s Thumb, named for the unique rock formation that sticks up like a thumb from the top of the mountain range. It’s quite the cardio workout to ascend 1,300 feet in 2.5 miles, but we agreed we were up for the challenge and set off.
Emma took the lead from the trailhead. She had suggested the idea of a hike and was ready to go, pointing out birds and wildlife as she skipped along. She offered Sour Patch Kids to anyone needing a sugar boost. As the trail began to incline, Emma came back to walk with me as my husband took the front position to keep us moving at a steady pace. As we went higher, he pointed out landmarks within the panoramic view of the valley below. When we reached lookout points, he passed out water bottles and reminded us to hydrate. I was still finishing my morning coffee during the first mile and once I was fully caffeinated, I moved to the front and asked “Would you rather” questions to provide a mental distraction from the steep elevation. Once we were close to the top, Ella took over as the lead and suggested we sing “Eye of the Tiger” to keep our motivation high and finish strong.
As we stood together, next to the magnificent rock formation at the top, I thought about the fluid and unspoken way we had taken turns sharing the lead position to accomplish this challenging ascent.
It reminded me of the way geese fly in V-shaped formation, with one goose taking the lead at the head of the “V”. That bird breaks the wind and creates an easier path for the other birds. And when that bird tires, it falls back and another bird comes in, allowing flocks to fly over 70% farther than they would be able to in a solo flight.
Stepping up to lead — and then stepping back — is a coordinated response to overcoming challenges that works on strenuous hikes and anywhere teamwork is needed. We can take turns flexing our leadership muscles and then show the confidence we have in those around us by stepping back and letting others take control. And as a result, we can achieve more.
I looked at Tom’s Thumb towering over us and thought about the many steps it took to reach that point. For some of those steps, my family lifted me. In other steps, I lifted them. And in the end, we all ascended together.
Thumbs up to that.