While wakeboarding, folks want to ride a big, impressive wake that allows for better tricks, and a more satisfying experience.
What kind of wake are you creating as you cruise through life as a leader of people? Do folks want to jump into your wake, carve the edges, and perform? Or are you creating “butter” (little to no wake) where it’s difficult to even get up on the board- where folks behind you aren’t inspired to perform and aren’t at all interested in the experience?
Colin Powell shared a great story from his time in Vietnam. One day, Lieutenant Powell was approached by a slightly grizzled Staff Sergeant. The Staff Sergeant says to the young LT, “You know sir, you’re gonna do well in this man’s Army.” Powell responded, “Why’s that Staff Sergeant?” The Staff Sergeant took another puff on his cigarette, and replies, “Because…people are gonna follow you…if for NO OTHER reason… they’ll follow you outta curiosity!”
Something about Powell was so inspirational, that everyone that he encountered wanted to be a part of whatever he was doing…or was about to do.
How’s your wake?
-Nate Copeland