Costa Rica has many beautiful beaches. On our recent trip we enjoyed 5 of them. Yet we were very aware of a hidden danger many warned us about: hidden currents, or rip tides.
A rip current is a flow of water that has a mind of its own. This current moves quickly and with significant force, though, from the beach, may not appear to be moving at all.
The water flows rapidly in the rip current and away from shore. It can carry a swimmer out to sea at a rate of three to six miles per hour. Within a single minute, the swimmer can be transported more than 500 feet out from shore. This experience can be extremely frightening and dangerous.
Since rip currents are responsible for about 80% of ocean drownings, a basic knowledge of how ocean currents behave is the best defense against the perils of the ocean.
Watching for signs of rip currents, taking precautions, and learning what to do if caught in one is important. It not only makes sense regarding rip currents, but applies also to dangers leaders may be unaware of.
At times leaders can encounter rip tides and hidden currents in the form of hidden issues that catch them by surprise. Other times smaller problems not addressed in a timely way end up derailing operations. In a short time they could sink an organization. If you don’t want to drown it’s smart to watch out for hidden issues.
What to do?
- Avoid surf swept beaches and be alert for signs. For example, a flattening effect is common as the water of the rip current finds the depression in the ocean floor and rushes back out to sea. This gives the appearance of a deceptively smooth surface.
Lack of conflict is not necessarily a good sign. It’s better to see lively debate. If people are afraid to disagree with you, there will be undercurrents that can sabotage your best designed plans. - Ask other experienced locals about the rip currents. Or try tossing a stick into the water. This will tell you where the current is going.
Wise leaders have trusted people around the organization that are in touch with what goes on in the front lines. By asking questions and listening to your people you can avoid being caught unawares. - Call for help the moment you notice a current moving you away from the shore. Rip currents move at a fast pace, and, allow only a small window of opportunity in which calls for help can be heard.
Many times leaders face pressures and challenges they don’t know how to deal with. Yet, many are reluctant to look for help inside or outside the company.
The sooner you find help, the easier it will be to fix things. If you wait too long, it might be too late. - If you can find your footing in the sand, try to walk out of the current. Do it by walking sideways, leaping toward the beach with each wave.
Some issues only get worst if you try to face them head on. Find smart ways to go around them, but only if you can do it without floundering. - When no solid footing is to be found, your best option is to tread water. DO NOT TRY TO FIGHT THE CURRENT! Swimming against the current costs you valuable energy, and there is only a marginal chance of swimming out of a riptide by going against the current.
There are moments in which pressures are so strong that you can only wait things out. Instead of going against the current, try waiting until you are able to build consensus and find help in bringing people on board. Meanwhile, save your energy! - The most important thing to remember is to remain calm and avoid panicking.
This is always sound advice! Reacting out of panic only leads to worst scenarios. In emergencies, it’s vital that leaders keep their calm and make decisions base on the best information available.
Remember. . .
It’s impossible to foresee every difficulty. Difficulties can catch you unawares. Try to be vigilant to avoid problems, but also be prepared for emergencies. Above all, don’t panic, and don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Photos by: Victoria Reay and Logos Noesis