Lisala Folau, who is disabled, was swept out to sea from the small, isolated island of Atata, but made it to the main island of Tongatapu, about eight kilometres away. #Tonga https://t.co/7AuBDQSEf6
— The Age (@theage) January 20, 2022
A Volcanic Eruption
At approximately 7:00 PM on Saturday, January 15th, a wave of over six metres high hit the shore of the small Tongan island of Atata. This was the result of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano erupting underwater off the coast. The force of the eruption was more than 500 times that of the Hiroshima bomb dropped in World War II.
A Disabled Man
Lisala Folau is a 57-year-old retired carpenter and one of the 60 people who populate the minuscule island. He is also disabled and has trouble walking. Folau was at his home painting when the wave hit land destroying numerous homes. Despite seeking refuge by climbing a tree, Folau would be swept out to sea.
As told in this story, Mr. Folau could hear his son calling out for him but he did not respond for fear he would put his son in danger. He said, “The truth is no son can abandon his father. But for me, as a father I kept my silence for if I answered him, he would jump in and try to rescue me. He would come, and we would both suffer.”
Miraculously, Mr. Folau would eventually safely swim 4.7 miles to the main island of Tongatapu. He arrived at 10:00 PM the following day, 27 hours after being initially swept away.
His story went viral and online readers referred to him as “a legend” and “Aquaman”
Leadership Lessons
The following are 6 Leadership Lessons From The Real Life “Aquaman” Lisala Folau:
Life Can Change In An Instant
As told above, Mr. Folau was at home painting when a tsunami suddenly hit his island home. Many of us can tell stories of just going about our natural lives, just painting if you will, and then disaster hits unexpectedly in a moment. And our lives are changed forever.
We often do not get to choose what happens to us. We only get to choose how we respond. For my own story on this topic, read The Number One Thing Leaders Must Do When Faced With Unexpected Crisis Or Challenging Times which chronicles my wife and I’s sudden encounter with black bears.
Do Not Panic During Troubling Times
To say the very least, being swept out to sea would definitely be a cause for panic. Most of us, myself included, would begin screaming and fighting for our lives. But Mr. Folau remained calm as he heard his son calling out to him. Astonishingly, he had the state of mind to realize responding would put his son in danger as well. Not only did remaining calm help save Mr. Folau’s life, but it likely saved his son’s as well.
Focus On What You Can Do, Not What You Can’t Do
While Mr. Folau was disabled, he was not helpless. There were things he could still do. He said, “I can’t walk properly, both my legs are not working properly and when I can, I believe a baby can walk faster than I. So I just floated, bashed around by the big waves that kept coming.”
Mr. Folau should inspire someone reading this post to not give up. Keep fighting. Keep floating. You’re going to find land soon enough.
Leaders Need To Constantly Be Reminded To Put Their Families First
He added, “It stayed with my mind if I can cling to a tree or anything and if anything happens and I lose my life, searchers may find me and my family can view my dead body.”
Leaders are often told that at the end of their lives, they will not be thinking about market performance, spreadsheets, taxes or some other work-related item. They will be thinking about their families. Mr. Folau sure did.
Utilize The Resources You Do Have
All Mr. Folau had at his disposal was a tree to hold onto, the ability to swim and float, and the will to live. This would not appear to be much but it was enough for him to make it safely to the main island. When hard times hit, inventory what resources you do have at your disposal and utilize those to their fullest potential. Creativity always flows from scarcity, not abundance. For more on this topic, read The #1 Asset Leaders Have For Problem Solving.
Difficult Times Can Make Us Hateful Or Grateful
As has often been said, difficult times will make you bitter or better. Mr. Folau chose the latter. At a press conference, he thanked God, his family, and his church for giving him the strength to survive.
May difficult times always remind us of God’s goodness, protection, and provision as well.
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