On Sunday evening, March 31, an unidentified hiker was walking along the edge of the mountainside along the Alexander Battery trail in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The Southern Marin fire department had previously issued a warning on their Facebook page that the landscape was dangerous and those traveling in the area should take caution.
Unfortunately for this unsuspecting hiker, the ground suddenly gave way beneath his feet. After falling 50-to-60 feet, he was suddenly fighting for his life as he clung to the side of the mountain.
As captured in this video, a daring night rescue then ensued. The fire department used thermal imaging from their helicopter to locate the hiker. See the picture below.
The rescue squad lowered a first responder to his aid, attached the hiker to a harness, and hoisted him to safety.
From this story we are reminded of the following three leadership lessons for those suddenly caught in life-threatening or career-ending situations:
Crisis Can Happen In An Instant
Crisis can happen instantaneously so you should always remain vigilant. Whether it is geo-political, relationally, financially, occupationally, or something with your health, trouble can arise in a moment. You can simply be going along your own proverbial hiking trail when suddenly the mountainside gives way.
This teaches us the following:
Always Have Margin
In the story above, the hiker was walking too close to the mountain’s edge despite the warning of others. Trouble then ensured. Before we get too hard on the hiker, we must first ask ourselves and each other, “How often do we walk too close to the edge ourselves?” For me, it is far more than I should. Maybe you can say the same thing.
So many leaders have a tendency to always push the boundaries in every area of their life when they should be retreating to the center of the road. Margin is a leader’s friend.
For someone reading this post today, you have been walking on the edge financially, relationally, spiritually, or in some other area of your leadership. Your mountainside is about to give way. Embrace margin and retreat to the middle of the road TODAY before it is too late.
Get Professional Help
When facing a life-threatening or career-ending situation, do not rely on your own strength or resources, get some help from experts. The hiker mentioned above could not rescue himself. He did not have the skills, training, tools, or resources. A highly-skilled first responder was needed to airlift him out.
If you have found yourself in a very difficult and unforeseen situation, you likely do not have the skills, training, tools, or resources either. You need a skilled professional to lift you out of your situation.
The good news is that there are people who are trained and willing to help you. You do not have to go through your crisis situation alone.
***BONUS***
Heed Warnings
As mentioned previously, the Southern Marin fire department had put warnings on their Facebook page. Whether it is your spouse, pastor, coach, accountant, or someone in your inner-circle, heed their warnings. Or ignore them to your own demise.
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