Lessons from rowing

In 2019 I did a 12-week learn to row course and it has taught me a whole lot more than rowing.

After many years of being a rowing mum doing early morning drop offs, I wanted to see what the fuss was all about. I quickly realised I’d found my sport, somewhat late in life but none the less I found it.

Fast forward past the pandemic and after another 12-week learn to row course I joined Wellington Rowing Club master’s squad. I trained with other novice rowers to compete in two regattas in 2022. This was a new challenge for me. Never in my life had I competed in a sporting event. My anxiety was high before each race, was I good enough? Fit enough? Could I do my job? What if I caught a crab? Would I let my crew down?

We won two golds, at both regattas!

Rowing is the only sport I know where teamwork is essential for success. Everyone in the boat has a job to do, and whatever it is they must do it in perfect synchronicity with the rest of the crew. Learning to row and learning to row together is many things and for the most part fun. It’s also mentally and physically challenging, even frustrating at times and gosh some days these old bones hurt.

I’ve met amazing people who all have something to offer whether that be coaching, support, a laugh, or a gin afterwards to talk about rowing. I’ve seen Wellington Harbour from a different perspective to most and delighted in seeing dolphins, penguins, and the most amazing sunrises. I’ve a whole new appreciation for wind direction and what makes a good Wellington day (hint it’s being on good water). I’ve thrived in the club with the camaraderie and teamwork that is their ethos. I’m part of something I never knew I needed. And best of all I’m active and off the couch.

You learn a lot about yourself and the people you train with. You learn how your attitude and reactions can affect the crew, that feedback is all about helping you to be better, so the crew can be better. Rowing with more experienced rowers helps you hone your skills, and when you are a more experienced rower you do the same for others who are learning. I’ve learnt to drive a coach boat, started my sports coaching qualification, and now give back to the club by coaching the learn to row season. I’m also a director on the Board.

All the things I’ve learnt through rowing absolutely apply in a work context, and so to the moral of the story. Be a leader (even if you are not in a leadership role) and apply the lessons you learn from your out of work activity to your job and see how your team lifts.

Here are the key lessons I’ve learnt:

1.   You are never too old to try new things.

2.   You are always learning

3.   Disregard that voice in your head that says you’re not good enough – You are.

4.   Timely and specific feedback helps people to perform better.

5.   When things go wrong, reset immediately.

6.   Do your job so your crew can do theirs.

7.   Give your time and expertise to help others

8.   Appreciate the people that support you to be your best.

#leadershiplessons #Rowing #WellingtonRowingClub #youaregoodenough #trysomethingnew #nobodylooksgoodinarowsuit