From Sandra Abbey ... Please Check Out My Fundraiser

Please donate to my fundraiser. I'm raising funds for Habitat for Humanity of Southern Arizona as part of my training program to prepare for the Tucson Marathon in December. I'll be running 13.1 miles in the half-marathon, but many more miles than that as I train for the big day. Help me make it even more worthwhile by donating to this exceptional organization. If you want to join my team and run with me - let me know! Donate to My Fundraiser Thanks so much. Can't tell you how much I appreciate your support. Sandra If the link above doesn't work for you, use this link instead: http://www.crowdrise.com/crowdrise/sponsor-me/leadership-discoveryrun/fundraiser/sandraabbey/00872d7327ddbcc32cc4c4fb55bf558f/c9144b4e59b20ca7b570db65fb5207cf If you have any questions, you can email me or email CrowdRise for the most amazing customer service in the world. You have received this email because a friend or at least someone who thinks you like them wants you to know about CrowdRise. CrowdRise will not send you any emails as a result of this email from your friend so no need to worry. If you decide you love CrowdRise, be sure to sign up for your own account so you can receive our fairly interesting emails. Please see our Privacy Policy or Contact Us if you have any questions. If you would like to unsubscribe and stop receiving these emails Click Here.

If you would like to unsubscribe and stop receiving these emails Click Here. Crowdrise - 301 West 4th Street Suite 440 - Royal Oak, MI 48067

Leadership Lessons from a Shallow River

Leadership Lessons from a Shallow River 

Sometimes being a leader means plunging into new territory or making decisions without all the facts known.  Still, being prepared with as much information as reasonably possible can help things go more smoothly.    

On a recent ½-day kayaking trip three friends and I were prepared for some, but not all of the snags we encountered.   A bit more homework may have steered us to a different waterway; however, we would not have had the same physical workout. 

We selected a 6-mile segment of the Gila River just north of Winkelman, Arizona.  Three out of the four of us had floated this segment two years prior, and because there have recently been some good southern Arizona rainstorms we were hoping there would be sufficient water flow (remember, this is the Southern Arizona desert – not a ton of water sports to be had).  We were well prepared with sunscreen, snacks and plenty of drinking water and we expected to be on the river about 3 hours – a nice leisurely float. 

What we found is in spite of the recent rains, the reservoir was not necessarily letting much water flow through the dam into the river, and we were a little too far downstream – hence – very shallow water, sometimes only a few inches.  This meant several times we had to get out of the kayaks and physically carry them for several yards to slightly deeper water.  This also means lots of rocks, mud, fallen tree branches and other snags in the water to be avoided.   

While we enjoyed the company of friends, and got a well-rounded workout from not only paddling, but walking and carrying the kayaks, the trip took us well over 4 hours, and was much less leisurely than we’d expected.   We know we could have done more planning and gathered more information about the stream and water flow conditions, which might have lead us to choose a different location.  But we’re glad we made the trip, and feel it was a rewarding adventure. 

All this reminded me of how leaders sometimes have to make decisions based on limited or partial information. Still, with good planning and gathering of the facts that are available plunging into new challenges can be very rewarding.