Birthed and Raised by Canoes: What the River Taught Me About Management

Just as Mowgli, from the jungle book, was adopted by the wild as an infant, I, as a infantile teenager was adopted or rather "hired" into a canoe and kayak livery(A.K.A. a shop where canoes and kayaks are kept and rented) when I was most vulnerable. After facing terrible management the year before while lifeguarding, society's perception of work seemed confirmed: work sucks.

Fast forward three years, after my first day at the canoe livery. Fast forward through all the mud, the miserable heat, the mosquito bites, and countless bruises; and I can confidently say work does NOT suck only management can suck. Having "retired" from this summer job this past week, I've reflected on the copious amounts of comments on my backbreaking work. "That job sounds terrible!" "Wow that sounds painful." "Why would you want to do that work?" Well here's why, because of the management.

From the first day I was brought onto the staff, my boss, who is also the owner, instilled the confidence that I was not only capable but I was just as capable as him. He displayed a passion for his employees and the want for his employees to succeed just as much as the business. He gave us control to perform to the highest ability by leading from behind, instead of leading from above and capping his employees efforts. And when an employee has the freedom and the confidence to thrive in the workplace, they feel responsible for their work habits creating an enjoyable work environment.

Ultimately, just as Mowgli thrived in the wild with the help of the surrounding animals, any employee can thrive in their workplace with the help of management whether that be a muddy riverbank or office cubicle.