Loving Leadership Lessons at the Wave Pool
We have a public wave pool about a mile up the street from my house. It’s the best thing ever on a hot summer day and a big hit as a part of “Grandma Camp”, the summertime event my husband and I host for our grade school-age grandkids. I’m fortunate my husband doesn’t complain about being excluded from the branding of “Grandma Camp” and is an enthusiastic Head Counselor!
We’ve made nine visits to the Wave Pool in two weeks. I’m glad for my newfound spaciousness to get out of the office, away from my computer, and to be there with the kids to play in the water, as well as enjoy relaxing, people-watching, and daydreaming too.
What does this summer leisure have to do with Loving Leadership?
Image: Swimmers splash around at the local public wave pool.
Well, aside from being a great example of self-care and of filling the spaciousness I’ve been sharing about recently on my podcast, the Wave Pool has been a fantastic source of Loving Leadership inspiration and insights. Here are some examples.
The Big Boss
On Friday as we came through the gate, a lifeguard confirmed the girls had passed the swim test. As he gave them their wristbands, he confessed to me,
“You know, you look just like our big boss, so when I see you coming, I think it’s her, and I get worried. But then I’m relieved to see it’s you instead.”
This young man, who was maybe 20 years old and probably working one of his first jobs, was cordial, conscientious, and competent, like all the staff I’d encountered staffing this public park. There are usually three cashiers in the office selling admission, answering questions, and passing out goggles, and five lifeguards administering swim tests, enforcing safety rules with an ear-catching whistle, and diligently watching swimmers to make no one gets hurt. The atmosphere is fun, clean, and welcoming to everyone in this diverse community. The place appears to run like clockwork and they are doing a fantastic job from this customer’s point of view.
Who knows why he was afraid of seeing the “big boss” - could be for many reasons. But here’s what I wish he’d been able to say:
“You look just like our big boss. I was hoping it was her because she encourages us every time she shows up. She reminds us of how important our job is, notices what we are doing well, and always teaches us something too. We take our jobs seriously because she’s let us know how important it is. I love working here and I will miss it when I go to college in the fall. But I’ve learned a lot about leadership this summer and I’ll take that with me.”
Many young people have never held a job and their human and technical skills and work ethic naturally need to be developed. At the same time, when we work with young people, we show them how to lead. We can show them fear-based leadership or loving leadership remembering that whatever they experience, they are likely to emulate someday. It’s not just a summer job; it is the beginning of a professional life and can set the direction for love and good or for fear and bad. We who lead them today can impact this trajectory.
The Big Red Splash Bucket
Suspended 25 feet off the ground, filling with water every five minutes, the Big Red Splash Bucket tips over its contents onto a ramp that sprays water out on swimmers waiting eagerly below … as well as on those walking by unsuspecting! It’s awesome if you are ready and want it, and kids of all ages line up below waiting for the bucket to dump out on them.
But if you are not ready, that’s not a problem. You can practice getting splashed in the little splash bucket area instead or avoid it altogether and swim in another part of the pool.
Not everyone enjoys the same experiences. We can build up to them through learning experiences or choose those that suit us, and those choices should be honored. We don’t all have to like the same thing to be at the pool. We don’t all have to contribute the same way or engage the same way at work to be on the team. We can accommodate preferences and differences. That’s loving leadership.
Wave Action
When the waves start, the noise goes up from excitement, joy, nervousness, anticipation, worry, and maybe a tinge of fear. Swimmers have lots of different reactions to the waves depending on their skill and past experiences. But as long as swimmers have what they need to feel safe, the waves are fun for everyone and everyone can play in the way that works for them.
What does it take to make a situation feel safe and enjoyable for different people? Loving leaders get to know preferences and skills and adapt to those so all feel safe and engaged.
Everyone Belongs
Little babies in mama’s arms, toddlers in water wings, grade schoolers holding their breaths, and teenagers laughing and talking. All body types; all racial identities, all kinds of families too: moms and moms, dads and dads, grandparents parenting, dads and moms, too. Kids with disabilities and older folks with mobility challenges.
This pool’s natural beachline access means anyone can easily get in. As my husband pointed out, “Who decided that pools had to be shaped like a box and that you had to get in with steps or a ladder?” Historically members of many communities did not have access to a public pool and never learned to swim. This means many older folks don’t know how to swim and aren’t able to teach their children. That’s why it’s important to have access to…
…Life Jackets
There’s a big rack with life jackets in all sizes. Anyone can use one if they need it. No one makes fun or even seems to notice. You can be 7 or 17 or 37. Just enjoy the waves; you are accepted. Because in this pool, all are welcome. Everyone can cool off, learn to swim, splash in the waves, and have fun.
Acceptance, access, and belonging for all at the Wave Pool, in life, and at work too. Loving leadership reminders at the Wave Pool.
