On a recent boat trip across the Great Lakes here in Michigan, I was reminded just how overwhelming Mother Nature can be. As we made our way back from the trip, we hit some rough weather. There were seven foot waves and very poor visibility. While we were never really in danger as we navigated the tough waters safely, weather like that can be really intimidating. Not only was I navigating using our marine charts, but I was also steering and concentrating on every single wave to make sure our hull was hitting them at the proper angle to ensure the comfort and stability of our vessel. So to say that I was a little stressed out is an understatement.
As I moved us through the rough water, I saw the beacon from a lighthouse on shore. That lighthouse guided us for the next hour until we reached the shore safely. We were never lost, we were never in imminent danger, and yet there was something very comforting in seeing the beacon of light from the lighthouse, a feeling of safety and reassurance.
I have long thought that lighthouses are overused in many management presentations and church sermons alike. It is all too easy for a good story to become cliché relying on a lighthouse for its theme, and yet, I came to depend on a real lighthouse firsthand. As I piloted the boat in rough water feeling at times overwhelmed by the vulnerability any of us have when we are on water, I came to appreciate the guidance that lighthouse offered.
What did the lighthouse truly offer? Having it didn't change the weather or really even my course, as I was navigating using electronic charts. But seeing the lighthouse gave me certainty. I knew on the other end of that beacon was land and safety. I could see the light and affirm that I was on my intended path, heading in the right direction.
As a leader here at Stathakis, I often feel stressed when faced with what seems like an overwhelming situation or insurmountable odds. When I find myself in these situations, I start thinking about all the worst case seniorios that could happen, and then I consider my core values. Yes, we have them here at Stathakis and yes, I live them each day at work and at home to the best of my abilities. So when our focus and routines at work sometimes get blurred by rough weather and high seas, I can always look to our core values to know exactly where I need to navigate to find safety and solid ground. The values we have built this company upon really give me a sense of calm much like the lighthouse beacon did on my recent trip and I hope they can offer you the same. Like most lighthouses, our Stathakis core values are built on immovable rock so there is never a question as to whether or not we are moving in the right direction.
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