Jet skis can teach one a lot about leading well. I happened to learn very quickly a lesson on leadership with my first experience with a jet ski.

Let me begin by saying I don’ t own this jet ski. In case you were wondering, that small speck in the water is me, clutching tightly to the handles on my first solo run on a 750cc streak on the water. Since their speed is right up there with the word “dangerous” and “this is crazy”, I exchanged some perfectly stable land mass for the unpredictable nature of the Intracoastal Waterway. Here are the lessons I learned:

1. Respect others who have gone before you. In leading well, having confidence in approaching something new versus not knowing your limits can easily land you in troubled water. That’s where relying on others to teach you is crucial. My friend knew the waterway and knew watercraft very well. He grew up on the water. He is a commercial fisherman. From his knowledge and experience, he taught me the basics of the operation of the craft, and the ins and outs of boating safety, and how to navigate the waterway safely. The verse in Proverbs 3:20 holds true, “Whoever walks with the wise grows wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Instead of jumping in on a matter, considering the wisdom of others advice and knowledge, especially the counsel of God’s Word and other seasoned authors, the ability to lead is based on a collective, foundational truth: There are no loners in leadership.

2. Be mindful for warning signs of trouble ahead. Sometimes the best leaders can be blindsided by trouble or conflict because they don’t follow this principle. When making decisions involving people, being mindful of their strengths and weaknesses up front will help avoid trouble down the road. Setting up a person or team for success involves knowing what they are capable of and what they are not capable of. Setting unrealistic expectations for your team leads to mistrust and low moral in accomplishing the target goal. Sandbars are a boater’s nemesis. Discolored water, as well as breaking water around smooth water is an indicator there may be a sandbar ahead. Being able to see the trouble before you get to it allows for smoother sailing.

3. Lead others to take risks with you. The waters never parted until the leaders took the first step and got their feet wet. (Joshua 3:15-16) Imagine stepping into a flowing river and not even knowing how to swim! That was the faith of the priests that led the nation of Israel to cross the Jordan river! Someone once said, “To live without risk, is to risk not living.” We have to take risks in life. In our walk with God, we have to take steps of faith towards Him. The day I rode the jet ski, my friend was on the back. Only when I opened up the throttle did the real exhilaration and thrill of riding on the water at 35 to 40mph sink in. When I was slowly moving, the watercraft was taking on water, but when I got on the gas, my friend and I both had fun! I was nervous at what it might mean to accelerate so fast. But I took a risk, and the risk paid off nicely. We were moving down the ICW in no time! My friend could have pressed the gas and awkwardly steered over me, but it’s not what I was meant for that day. I was meant to fly! Other people need risk takers to lead them. Other people need you and I to lead with the eyes of faith.