Fair Winds HR

So, as you can imagine, to sail a boat, you need wind. If there is no wind, you are just sitting there. Last night, we went out to race. However, the race was called due to a lack of wind. This bums the team out some, as the whole reason we get out is to race, as that gets our blood pumping in our veins. With the race getting called, we all returned to the club and had an earlier dinner with the group. There was lots of lively conversation, food sharing, and good laughs. It was an enjoyable night! We all must remember that teamwork is not just about what we do when we work together but also taking the time to slow down and get to know one another as people. By understanding each other off the water, we become a better team on the water. While we had dinner to enjoy this time, these interactions could happen anytime. So, whether on a sailboat or at work, take the time to get to know your fellow teammates. Laugh with and learn about them. Ask questions if they are comfortable answering, and open yourself up to answer questions as well. With all that goes on around us, we must remember that we are people first. Not an accountant, not a construction worker, not a CEO, and not even a sailor. Just people. Fair Winds!

Today, I want to talk about getting out of your comfort zone. I meant to write this post a few weeks ago but had yet to get around to it. We often have members on our regular sailing team crew that cannot attend a race. While there are many roles in the boat's cockpit that I can move around in, one area that does require a little bit of specialty is working the sailboat's bow. So, as our regular bow person was out of town, another crew member and I worked the bow for a race. We also fly the spinnaker sail in this race, which is a little more labor-intensive. While I knew my way around a sailboat, working the bow was like being on another planet. All the prep work to have the spinnaker ready, how we hauled up the sail, how we jibed and transferred the sail to the other side, and how we took down the sail, still having it ready to be hauled back up again, is all new to me.  While this was not in my typical comfort zone, it was still worth learning. We messed up more than once, but after every incident, we talked about what happened and made changes for the next time. We communicated and learned. The moral of the story in this post is that we all need to be stretched out of our comfort zones from time to time. We will make mistakes and sometimes fail. But with communication and learning being applied, we grow each time. And with time, a new skill and appreciation are earned. Fair Winds!

So today I wanted to talk about taking risks and trying new things. As you have already seen, I am a sailor. My sailboat is 31 feet, so not so big but definitely not small. Two years ago, I needed to have some work done at the top of my mast, so I went to a boat yard and they sent someone up on the crane to do the work. I had no want to climb up 45 feet in the air if I did not need to. I was also a little nervous to be truthful. So today, after I helped someone else climb to the top of their mast to do some repair work, we went to my boat as I needed to do some work on mine. I made the decision to be hauled up to the top vs. having someone else do the work. As I was getting ready to be pulled up, my nerves were going off some and I was a little hesitant. But, as they kept on pulling me up towards the top, I fell in love with being up there, as well as the line of site I had of my boat and the harbor. I almost did not want to come down! In order to grow, we must test our comfort zones from time to time and take risks. Make a plan and prepare in advance to what your needs may be, ensuring that what challenges arise can be managed. Use experts to advise and guide you when needed. Most importantly, have fun with challenging yourself as these moments do not come around so often. Just some pics of me a the top with the view below. While I don't want a need to climb up there again, I would have no issues doing it additional times if needed. Fair Winds!!!! #sailingandleadership #sailing #leadership #takerisks

As I just came off my first team race, today I had my first race in my sailboat. It is a shorthanded race, meaning you can do the race by yourself or with one other person (two total). I chose to do this race solo as I had done the year before. Why do the race solo? I personally find the alone time valuable on the water. I get to test myself and my own theories without the distraction of others. Granted it is more efficient with two on board, I have my own rhythm that gets me through. Also, my sailboat is no racing boat for sure. It is a Catalina 310, which is much more of a cruising vessel. My start was the best start I have had so far, so was really proud of that. I was the only boat in my registered class (main and jib only), the rest of the boats were in a spinnaker class and were all racing vessels. They also had two sailors on each boat. As the race went on, the faster boats pulled further and further ahead, which can be challenging especially when you want to win. Even with that, i still ran my race, sailed my boat the best I possibly could, and raced to the very end. So the good news is that I finished first in my class (granted I was the only one). However, when comparing all the corrected times for the handicaps, I still finished in last place, but not as far behind as I thought I may have been. So for me, that was an accomplishment. Most importantly, I ran my race, finished, and never quit. With the challenges we can have in our professional lives, remember to always give it your best, not matter what you may be up against. In the end, you know that you left everything on the table and can remain proud of that. Fair Winds Everyone!

Yesterday I participated in my first sailing race of the season (our last weeks race got cancelled due to lack of wind). While I had already been sailing on my boat a few times, it is fun to be crew on someone else's boat. One of the most important lessons you learn when sailing competitively is the importance of communication. I may have highlighted this before in a previous post, but I wanted to reiterate it again. While we each had our assigned role, we were all communicating to one another on a regular basis as to what was going on the moment. What I discovered, as we continued later into the race, the more we communicated the better we did. Our jives were faster, we made up time on other boats, and overall, while we took second in the race, we all were proud of our success as a team. No egos, just all of working towards the same objective. Communication and teamwork go hand in hand. When teams do not communicate effectively, or if one person operates as if they know it all, things have a tendency of failing. Remember to communicate with your teams and teammates all the time. You will be a better team and company for it!

If anyone in my network needs and contract work done, HR or other, please feel free to reach out to me. Looking to stay busy while I search for a new permanent home company. Thanks! Rick

There are many articles today that discuss how leaders need to engage their employees to see results, but how many leaders are capable of doing this effectively. In today’s world, working for a company is more than just a job. Employees seek inspiration from their leaders as they navigate their professional journeys. They yearn for leaders who not only articulate a vision but also embody it through their actions. Inspirational leadership goes beyond directives; it ignites passion, fosters creativity, and cultivates a sense of purpose among employees. When leaders demonstrate integrity, empathy, and a commitment to shared goals, they inspire trust and loyalty. Employees crave leaders who empower them, provide mentorship, and create an environment where their contributions are valued. In essence, inspiring leadership propels individuals to reach their full potential, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence within the organization. What is your current environment? #LeadershipInspiration #Empowerment #VisionaryLeadership #EmployeeEngagement #InspirationalLeadership #LinkedInLeadership #ProfessionalDevelopment

In the vast expanse of the open sea, where the horizon stretches endlessly before you, lies a classroom like no other—an environment where leadership is not just a skill but a necessity for survival. Sailing, with its blend of adventure and challenge, offers invaluable lessons in leadership that are applicable far beyond the confines of the maritime world. Just as a sailor charts a course towards a distant port, a leader must set a clear vision for their team or organization, inspiring others to unite behind a common purpose. Adaptability, resilience, communication, collaboration, and empowerment become the cornerstone of success as leaders navigate uncertainty, drive positive outcomes, and empower their teams to achieve greatness. Fair winds and following seas! #Leadership #Sailing #Success #Empowerment #Teamwork