LeaderSHIP 101
What My Lifeguarding Experience Taught Me About Leadership 🛟✨
From 2002 to 2018, I had the honour of being a lifeguard. Every time I moved to a new place, lifeguarding gave me a built-in opportunity to learn, grow, and lead. It was a key step in my development, and along the way, I had incredible mentors who shaped my journey.
One of the biggest lessons I learned? Leadership isn’t just about being in charge. It’s about:
✅ Helping others
✅ Staying calm under pressure
✅ Working as a team
But here’s something important: Leadership doesn’t always look the same for everyone. 💡
Leadership Comes in Different Forms 🎯
If you’re like me, leadership might not look like what you see in books or movies—and that’s okay! I’ve realized that my leadership strengths come from:
🚀 Bringing fresh perspectives – Seeing solutions others might miss
🧩 Solving complex challenges – Tackling tricky problems with creativity
🎯 Deep focus on important tasks – Prioritizing what truly matters
Everyone has unique leadership strengths, and leaning into them is how you make an impact. As a lifeguard here are some key skills that I found help me succeed.
👀 Staying Focused for Long Periods – Watching for small details and patterns to prevent danger. If you’re detail-oriented, this might be one of your superpowers!
⚡ Quick Decision-Making – In emergencies, there’s no time to overthink. Lifeguards learn to trust their instincts and training.
🗣 Teamwork & Communication – Clear, confident communication is key to guiding swimmers and working with other lifeguards
🧘♂️ Emotional Regulation – Emergencies can be stressful, but staying calm helps you think clearly and take action.
Some of these skills might come naturally, while others take time to develop. But remember: Leadership isn’t about being perfect—it’s about learning, growing, and adapting. 🌱
How These Lessons Shaped My Leadership Journey 🌎
Lifeguarding didn’t just teach me how to keep people safe—it helped me navigate life and leadership:
💡 Know Your Strengths – Maybe you’re great at focusing, problem-solving, or staying calm under pressure. Use those strengths to help others.
🔄 Be Adaptable – Every rescue, challenge, or obstacle is different. The best leaders know how to adjust and stay flexible.
🤝 Build Connections – Leadership is about lifting others up. Even if social situations feel tricky, finding a supportive community makes all the difference.
🔥 Turn Obstacles into Motivation – Tough moments aren’t failures—they’re chances to grow.
Conclusion: Leadership Looks Different for Everyone 🌟
You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room to be a leader. In fact, I’ve learned more from listening than from speaking. Leadership is about making an impact in your own way—whether that’s protecting swimmers, solving complex problems, or supporting your team.
If you’re like me, your unique way of thinking can be your leadership superpower. The key 🔑 is to embrace your strengths and use them to make a difference.
Want to figure out what your unique skillset is? Let’s connect! 🧐 Reach out at drtiff@curiouslycoordinated.com.
