If you know anything about me, you know that I am an avid archer.  An abundance of life (and leadership) lessons exist within archery, so I am starting a new category to focus on those lessons.  Take a look at the image below - it teaches us that connection IS direction.  If you want to learn more, then keep reading below as we will talk about the 4 parts of the image and get into the specifics of the lesson that we can learn.

Before we go any further, let's define a few archery terms here.

• #1 is the bow string that is looped through the cams and, when pulled, produces significant tension on the limbs.  When that tension is released, it is transferred to the arrow giving it flight.

• #2 is called the "d-loop." This piece of string is where you attach your release, use your strength to draw the bow (creating the limb tension mentioned above), and then release the tension to propel the arrow forward.

• #3 is the nock.  This small component is what attaches the arrow to the bowstring.

• #4 is the arrow.

We need to focus on number 3 - the nock.  As the definition above says, it is small but highly valuable.  Without the nock, the arrow does not attach to the bowstring and cannot receive power, direction, or forward progress - it simply would sit still.  Therefore, the connection IS the direction.  

​We need to go a little further in understanding the nock.  Take a quick look at the image provided below.  This shows you what the nock looks like and how it is attached to the bowstring. That u-shaped valley is where the string fits BUT it cannot be a shallow connection.  I had a friend who had coyotes ravaging his herd and was hunting with his bow when one appeared.  He drew his bow to let that arrow fly but the arrow came off the string. Why?  It was not seated deeply on the nock.

Life and leadership require us to have connections with others.  If we only seek shallow connections that lack depth, then we will never be able to serve others by influencing their power, progress, or path. 

Before we close, let me inject some humility right here.  We like to think that we are the "bow string" providing power, progress, and pathways for others; however, that should not always be the case.  We have to grow too which requires us to have connections with people who can and will give us power, progress, and a path.  In order to willingly develop others, you must willingly be developed.  Your attachment matters for both your present and your future.  

Connection is direction, so wisely choose those connections!