[Interchange 3 Workbook Answer Key
Addison Mauldin
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We talk a lot about authenticity and integrity in the world of leadership. I understand how it can feel so hard within companies to maintain these two qualities in the face of managers, investors, and others who want to hear good news, who might be quick to judge, or don't want to know about problems. These are not leadership best practices, but if we are honest, they are too often leadership common practices.
This past week I took my first trip in over a year. It was to Jackson Wyoming, where I had never been. My week in Jackson was transformational. I have amazing friends out there and they planned an astonishing number of experiences. The Grand Tetons are beautiful, the national parks spectacular, and the sunrises are worth waking up for. On the final night, I was asked what I liked best about my week in Wyoming. My answer: the people I met. Each one was authentically themselves and carried with them specific teaching that I will carry with me for some time.
At Puzzleface Ranch, I met Terry (here with Marc) who was the manager, and taught me the basics of riding. When I thought of Jackson, I think of horses and that it is a horse town. While that is true, it seems that more and more of the horses and stables about being bought up by wealthy individuals making it much more difficult for average residents to go riding. Terry manages a corral of excellent horses and is committed to maintaining the integrity of horsemanship. I am not knowledgeable enough to understand the world of horses. Terry inspired me to think about the value of her integrity in the art of riding, her willingness to work and expectation of all those who seek her for training to also work, and the way she demonstrated respect for the animals, nature, and the people who were willing to make an effort. It is easy to imagine how easy it might be to play to the egos of the wealthy horse owners, and equally easy to see the strength in her commitment to process and values.
Having learned basic riding skills from Terry, a few days later we went out on a trail ride with Caleb. Caleb was the wrangler of our small group of riders which meant he led and our horses followed. Riding through the pasture at the foot of the Tetons was spectacular and then we rode up into the mountains, saw a moose, and slowly stepped down the rocky trail. The most memorable part of the ride for me was Caleb. A mere 24 years old Caleb made a living doing a variety of jobs. He milked cows, branded cattle, and led trips on horseback. For reasons unknown to us, Caleb, at the age of 16 was left to raise his 6 siblings. He cooked and cleaned, he earned money and raised them. Some years later he learned to ride and became a cowboy. He was old-time polite (yes ma'am) and always delighted to answer questions and talk about life. He is one of the happiest people I have ever met. Caleb was authentically living his present life, embracing what he has, ready to accept what comes around the next bend. Speaking with Caleb, I sought to find the acceptance he found, to find the joy of the moment of being on horseback, and optimism found in breathing fresh air, the sound of the trees, and the empathetic interaction with the horses.
On the second the last day, we went to the Jackson Hole Shooting Experience to shoot all kinds of guns. Full disclosure: I am not a fan of guns, I am appalled by the killing that happens because of them, and I understand that people have a right to own them. Tyler was our range instructor and he walked us through a range of weapons starting with 22 caliber rifles (eg. Winchester) pistols (Glock, 1911, Baretta), and then more powerful rifles (AK15) with longer ranges and silencers. Tyler's comfort with and knowledge of the equipment and his clarity of how to use it gave me a new perspective on guns. It is easy to understand why people like Tyler, who really know what they are doing and feel responsible for their weapons, are not the threat. I not only learned how to fire weapons responsibility (including hitting a 12-inch target at 600 yards) I also was reminded of the value of humble mastery, the quiet confidence of knowing what you are doing.
I am grateful to Marc and Karyn (left), friends from NY who were pandemic refugees who have now found their perfect home in Jackson. The final teaching came from them - the value of identifying yourself with what you love rather than what you do. Commitment. Optimism. Clarity. You are what you love to do. A rich set of lessons and experiences in a place that is simple and diverse, humble and majestic, and a world apart from New York City and the global pandemic.
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