As I lay flat on my back, staring at the sky with the 20-foot ladder beside me and my reciprocating saw in the grass, I realized how badly I had misjudged the situation. That Sunday began like any other—with a to-do list and determination. One of my tasks was cutting down a massive 500-pound branch hanging over my pool, especially with storm season approaching.
Though I’m no professional arborist, I felt confident in tackling the project myself. Armed with an electric saw, protective gear, and a sturdy ladder, I believed it was a straightforward job—cut the branch, remove the threat, and move on. Why ask for help?
I began my ascent. Reaching the top, and standing on the top step of the ladder (now 26 feet high), I positioned myself to cut the thick branch. My strategy was sound. Knowing it was a two person job, I swung a long rope around the branch. The plan was to cut the branch about half-way, then get down from the ladder and be further enough to pull the branch down safely, using my weight to break the other half of the limb.
I started cutting, the saw buzzing loudly as it bit into the wood. Unfortunately, before I stopped, the branch suddenly snapped and swung violently toward me. Before I could react, it slammed into me, knocking me clean off the ladder.
The impact was brutal, as the branch’s weight and momentum sent me crashing to the ground. But I was deeply fortunate to land on thick dirt and overgrown foliage, escaping with just cuts, scrapes, bruises, and a swollen nose. I was incredibly lucky. It’s horrific to think that I could have easily died from a fall like that.
After cleaning up my wounds, I began to reflect on the experience-not just about cutting branches, but about leadership and some of the lessons I was reminded of that apply to all of us.
**Lesson 1: The Power of Teamwork**
The first lesson was the importance of teamwork. In the workplace, I value collaboration, yet here I neglected this principle. According to a study by Gartner, teams that collaborate effectively are 20% more productive than those that don’t. Had I sought help—a friend, neighbor, or professional—this disaster might have been avoided. Leadership isn’t about handling everything alone but recognizing when to rely on others.
**Lesson 2: The Perils of Doing It Alone**
Related to teamwork is the lesson of not going solo. Pride in doing things alone can be dangerous. Leaders who refuse to delegate often face negative consequences. For instance, a report from Info-Tech reveals that 70% of leaders who overextend themselves without delegating experience burnout. In my case, my lack of expertise and failure to seek assistance nearly led to disaster. No one has all the answers, and recognizing when to seek support is crucial. After all, that’s why you hire a sales team.
**Lesson 3: The Need for Expertise**
This experience highlighted the importance of expertise. I’m not an arborist, yet I attempted a task requiring more skill and knowledge than I possessed. Effective leaders know when to call in experts. For example, research from SiriusDecisions indicates that organizations with access to industry experts experience 30% higher revenue growth compared to those without. Had I hired a professional, I would have avoided injury and trouble. Bringing in the right experts can be the difference between success and failure.
**Lesson 4: Risk vs. Reward**
In both business and life, evaluating risk versus reward is essential. My task—climbing a ladder with a saw to cut down a heavy branch—posed significant risks. The reward was personal satisfaction, but the potential cost, on every level of injury outweighed this. Leaders must assess whether the reward justifies the risk. According to Forrester, organizations that effectively manage risk see 25% higher profit margins compared to those that don’t.
**Lesson 5: The Importance of Preparation**
Preparation is vital in business and personal tasks. I failed to fully inspect the ladder and consider the branch’s fall path trajectory, leading to my fall. Effective preparation helps leaders anticipate challenges and lead confidently. Forrester’s research shows that companies with thorough preparation for projects experience 40% fewer project failures. This experience underscored the value of meticulous preparation.
**Lesson 6: Recognizing Limitations**
Understanding personal limitations is crucial. I’m not as young or skilled as I once was, and overconfidence or thinking I can still do the same things I did when I was 25, clouded my judgment. Recognizing your limits, whether time, priorities, productivity, or passion, isn’t about doubting yourself, or recognizing what you may perceive as a weakness or failures, which they are not, but being realistic. What I did when I was 25 is now different being 57. According to a study by Gallup, leaders who understand and communicate their limitations foster 30% more trust within their teams. In leadership, it’s essential to assess what tasks are best suited for you and what should be delegated.
**Lesson 7: Valuing Every Role**
No role is too small. Each position on a team contributes to overall success. In sales, the spotlight often shines on the executive, but every team member’s role is vital. For instance, someone handling proposals and client follow-ups plays a critical role in closing deals. SiriusDecisions found that sales teams where every member’s contribution is valued see 20% higher win rates. Recognizing and valuing every role fosters a motivated and cohesive team.
The Final Rung of the Ladder
What began as a simple home improvement task turned into a valuable leadership lesson. After all, one of my favorite , yet often painful universal laws.
We teach what we need to learn. Which builds upon the second lesson that makes the first one more difficult to embrace. That is; We resist what we need to learn most.
I was reminded of the importance of the value of expertise, and the need to evaluate risks versus rewards. Most importantly, I realized that preparation, is not only crucial for success but also is an opportunity to be evaluated by someone else, such as your peer, manager and/or coach.
These lessons will make anyone a better leader, both professionally and personally. While I wouldn’t wish a fall on anyone, I’m grateful for the insights it provided. After all, we fall so we can learn how to get back up again.
Sometimes, when you’re not paying attention, or resisting the lessons in front of you, it takes a hard landing to understand how much more there is to learn.
