Crafting Culture: The Power of Deliberate Leadership
Leadership lessons learned about intentional and deliberate culture
From 2013-2017, I worked at Liquid Descent, a white-water rafting company. This experience marked a transformative period, shifting my mindset from fixed to growth. Reflecting on those years, I gleaned invaluable lessons on leadership and culture from the owner and now good friend, Alan. Looking back I saw Alan was deliberate and intentional in shaping the culture and values of the company. "What we focus on expands" and the same holds true for the collective focus of an organization. If Alan wasn't intentional and deliberate then who would be?
Alan and Liquid Descent exemplified intentionality in various aspects:
Music/Vibe: Rafting at Liquid Descent transcended the thrill of rapids; it became an immersive experience, drawing guests back repeatedly. Alan actively crafted this ambiance. It wasn't a mere declaration of wanting guests to have a great experience—he deliberately engineered it. Music played a pivotal role. From the moment guests entered to sign waivers, the ambiance was set with music emanating from high-quality speakers. Even the shuttle buses, equipped with stereos, echoed the vibe. Alan invested in creating an auditory atmosphere, making music an integral part of Liquid Descent.
Growth in the Fire: Liquid Descent had a pinnacle for its guides—the opportunity to guide Gore Canyon, a Class V run considered the best in the United States. Running it commercially set us apart from the other companies as we were the only company to make the pilgrimage to Kremmling every August to take guests down it. Alan fostered growth through challenge. Guides faced technical rapids at the edge of their abilities, refining skills under pressure. Learning happened through doing and sometimes failing, always in a safe environment with experienced guides. Unlike competitors with a six-year experience requirement for advanced rapids, we accomplished it in half the time. Gore Canyon was not a significant revenue source for the company-and added stress and liability- so why do it? It represented growth, ambition, and excellence-it inspired the guides to push there edge of what is possible.
Throw back of me guiding and surfing tunnel falls in Gore Canyon
Team Comradery: My wrestling coaching experience brought another dimension to intentional leadership. My first year as a head wrestling coach the team lacked camaraderie. I initiated a deliberate shift—after tournaments, everyone rode the bus home. Despite initial resistance from some parents, the shared bus rides forged friendships, echoing into the practice room and tournaments. Athletes stayed late to practice moves and supporting teammates more during tournaments. This deliberate change significantly elevated the culture and energy within the team.
As a leader, coach, and parent. What are you focusing on? What are you being deliberate and intentional about? Are you just speaking what your culture is about or are you deliberating focusing your time and energy creating a culture for people to thrive, grow, and transform?
With love,
JB
This is a great article. Maybe these are the lessons we can take about experience, fun, challenge, and leadership into the wrestling world. It's certainly worth a shot!