Sailing lessons in life

Submitted by Mark Lewis

Sailing teaches many lessons in life. If life is like a box of chocolates, sailing is a learned skill that helps you navigate these chocolate covered wonders. I have to admit, I don't like the movie, but I have a yearning for some Tawny Port and dark chocolate as I write.

In sailing you must always be aware of the environment and its changing conditions. You begin to learn what to look for in a wind shift or wind velocity change. Developing this skill will help you in the ever changing business world.

Sailing teaches the importance of analysis and staying up-to-date with the market and future trends. Narrow focus in business will lead to competitors getting a new product to the market first.

In addition to environment awareness, sailing can develop teamwork skills and the ability to effectively communicate with team members. You can't win the race and beat your competitors if you're not a team player. Micromanaging might be an interesting theory, but it doesn't make good in practice.

Unbridled inquisitiveness makes great sailors and better leaders. Sailing develops the curiosity of what others are doing. If you not curious about what your competitors are doing or exploring new approaches to overcome the challenges faced on the race course, you need to rethink your game pl

Academics argue that unbridled inquisitiveness is important for any businessman, especially a leader.

The lessons on life I have learned sailing have been a strong influence in defining my leadership capabilities and entrepreneurial traits. Sailing represents a strong foundation on which my leadership skills will continue to grow.

Sailing has not only given me the tools to be successful in a career, it has given me the opportunity to realize my capability and potential.

Submitted by Mark Lewis on June 28^th, 2010