Rowing is an exceptional sport that requires teamwork, strength and endurance. It involves a crew of rowers who work together to move a boat through the water. As per Peter A Derow, in rowing, every crew member has to be disciplined, skilled and committed to working towards a common goal, which is a huge reason why rowing is commonly associated with the development of leadership skills.
Peter A Derow sheds light on the link between rowing and leadership
Rowing requires every team member to take responsibility for their own action while also working towards the success of their team. A rowing crew has to be committed to training, both as a team and individually. They also must be able to adapt to changing conditions, like water currents and wind, and work together to navigate the boat through the water.
A rowing crew may have men or women with impressive talent or strength; they can have excellent coxswains, bowmen or stroke oars. However, the rowing crew will not be able to succeed unless each of its members puts in their best effort. Success in rowing requires a team effort. It involves the synchronized flow of muscle, oars, boat, and water. In rowing, more than any individual rower, priority is given to the unified, beautiful symphony that a crew in motion becomes. The team, however, would not be able to perform to the best of its abilities unless it has a good leadership. Hence, competent leadership is an indispensable aspect of rowing.
Rowing provides individuals with ample opportunities to take on leadership roles within the team. The team captain, for instance, shall be responsible for leading and motivating the team. They would need to make strategic decisions about training and competition, and effectively communicate with coaches and other team members. Leadership roles in rowing enable rowers to develop and practice their leadership skills in an that is challenging yet supportive.
As Peter A Derow mentions, in rowing, the person positioned at the front of the boat, known as the stroke, is responsible for setting the pace that dictates the rhythm of the entire team. The rowers who occupy the remaining seats have to align their movements with the stroke and make sure that the boat glides smoothly across the water. Meanwhile, the rower seated at the rear of the boat, referred to as the bow, assumes the role of the boat’s strategist. The bow provides crucial commands, likes when to row, when to pause, when to exert more force on a particular side, or when to adjust the stroke rate. Basically, the bow serves as the designated leader, who makes key decisions and directs the crew. However, despite the authority of the bow, the rowers instinctively synchronize with the stroke, following their lead. In an ideal scenario, the stroke follows the bow’s instructions, ensuring harmony and efficiency. This lesson is quite valuable for a business setting, where one has to recognize who informal leaders are to maintain order and efficiency. Business managers need to bring these informal leaders to the team and align them with their vision or remove them if they pose a threat to cohesion.
