Finding Strength in the Storm: Leadership Lessons from the North

By: Matt Brown

As we lean into the spring months and begin adventuring outside again, this story is a reminder of how nature teaches us, in life and leadership.

For over a decade, I have been travelling to Mirond Lake in Northern Saskatchewan to fish. Mirond is remarkable and daunting – it takes experience to know where the fish are and where the hazards are not! With time and experience, I have learned many of the best spots on the lake and enjoy sharing my knowledge and the beauty of these hard-to-find locations.

Leading up to every trip, I monitor the weather, knowing that in the North, the elements are everything. I recall the first year that my partner and I took our kids to the camp, and the weather report was not looking good… high winds and rain for three days. The morning of our departure, I felt a sense of sadness that we may not be able to explore my secret spots and sights, because the wind would not allow for it. I also felt a sense of nervousness because fishing with children is… different… and fishing with children in tough weather is downright difficult!

The resort is set in a small bay that is relatively calm on the windy days, but in my experience, the best fishing could only be found in the nooks and crannies a few kilometres down the lake. On the first day, the wind was relentless, and we were completely restricted to the bay. Knowing we would not travel far, I humbly asked the resort owner for recommendations of nearby spots. After fishing the lake for many years, I inferred that his offerings might be limited, but he quickly replied, “Try the Narrows.” When boats go out on the big lake, they must traverse through the Narrows – appropriately named, because those who aren’t careful will surely need a new propeller!

So, we tried the nearby Narrows and to my surprise, we were catching! Lots of walleye! I had driven past this spot so many times to get to the “good spots,” not knowing that it was there. The wind was still high, and because we were fishing just outside of a rock reef, I had to carefully consider every move and be fully attentive to the children. Nonetheless, we were having success!

The next day the weather was worse. We managed to get the whole crew on the boat for a couple of hours but with the persistent rain, we were destined to spend most of our day on land. So, we went for a hike, played games in the trees and stumbled across a blueberry patch. Amazed that these wild berries were literally at their fingertips, the kids picked two big bags!

So, what is the point of all of this? In school-based administration, sometimes the “winds are high,” which can be quite discouraging. It is important to consider what’s within our control, while remaining optimistic and focused on the outcome. It requires flexible thinking and the ability to lead in difficult weather. Life challenges us. In those moments, it is our job to find the fishing spots that we didn’t know existed. Resilience does not mean being okay with endless trudging through difficult circumstances. It is better defined as working with the challenges, knowing that we will learn from them, and, in doing so, sunnier days will come. Discomfort precipitates learning.

In addition, school-based administrators are often focused on what’s next when there are good things at our fingertips. Stop and pick the blueberries! As you read this, there are incredible things happening in your classrooms. Go and see and celebrate those things! Take time to be in the moment. Share the blueberries that you have picked with other teachers in your school, knowing that lateral leadership can nurture necessary growth in your school, while simultaneously providing positive encouragement to those who are doing great things.

 

From Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation Bulletin – Spring 2026