When an oceangoing vessel is at anchor there are watch standers similar to when the vessel is at sea.
The bridge watch has many responsibilities – among these are to regularly check the position of the ship to confirm the anchor is holding ground and not dragging, and to keep a lookout for other ships or vessels in the area which may present a danger to their anchored vessel.
One might assume these responsibilities are of most importance when there is a strong wind, current or a stormy sea. Yes during these weather conditions it is important to be alert and to pay attention on watch. In fact it is exactly what people do. Their awareness is high and they are on high alert.
The most dangerous time is when everything is calm.
These are the times when potentially people on duty may be more relaxed and less alert. It is at these times when the fact that the anchor is dragging is not recognized in time to avert a problem. It is at these times when people are too relaxed in their duties while at anchor no one notices the small boat coming up alongside which is carrying pirates to board the vessel.
“You better have an anchor in life. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Division I head football coach or Joe Schmo from Okemoh. Bad things happen. If you’re not anchored, you’re going to be washed away.”
Dabo Swinney
What are your anchors?
The values you have that keep you grounded. The items you will not stray from and keep you safe during a storm. Are you able to write down at least three of these right now?
Consider these and think – what if I did stray and my personal anchors were dragging? Would I notice?
If I was starting to stray away from my personal values who is checking in with me so that I recognize it?
They would be alerting me that I have always said I would not stray from these values and it seems I may be doing just that.
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Mitch Tublin is the CEO and Founder of Wenkroy International LLC a boutique consulting company with a main focus on adding value to people. Through Speaking, Training and Coaching we change lives. Our passion is to take people to the next level in their life and in their career or business.
