๐ก Trust is built, step by step.
This past summer, I found myself deep inside Adirondack’s Eagle Cave alongside 15 others of varying fitness levels, most of whom had never set foot in a cave. After a gorgeous hour-long hike up Chimney Mountain, we squeezed through narrow crevices, descended a 10-foot drop at the Great Hall, and used plastic piping to reach the second level. Throughout the adventure, we relied on the faint glow of our headlamps to guide us. In those moments, one truth became clear: who you follow matters.
Our leader was a 5’5″ young man in his early 20s, with the build and energy of a gym teacher. But he wasn’t just rattling off cave facts or tossing around jargon; his actions spoke volumes. This wasnโt his first time spelunking, nor was it his first time leading a group through Eagle Caveโand it showed. He came prepared with ropes, first-aid kits, extra headlamp batteries, and safety gearโeverything needed for the unexpected. From explaining the different descending levels and rooms to pointing out tight squeezes, calming nerves, and prioritizing our safety at every turn, his preparation and calm confidence ensured a safe and exhilarating adventure, deepening my appreciation for the Adirondack Mountains. Trust didnโt just happenโit was earned, step by step, through his leadership and steady presence underground.
In caves, just as in the workplace, trust isnโt givenโitโs earned. It comes from a commitment to mastering your craft, generously sharing your knowledge, and walking the journey alongside serving those around you. My friend Todd sums it up this way: “๐ ๐น๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ถ๐ ๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ ๐๐ต๐ผ ๐ธ๐ป๐ผ๐๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐, ๐๐ต๐ผ๐๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐, ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ด๐ผ๐ฒ๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐.”
๐งโโ๏ธ Whether you’re leading a team or working on the front lines, how are you actively building trust with those around you? It’s the cornerstone of progressโwhether underground or above it.
