Crucible Experiences

Recently, my oldest two daughters, my husband, and myself had the opportunity to go on a rope swing. Each person would, in turn, put on a hard hat and harness. Then he/she would climb a ladder, be attached to a pulley and rope system, and the group would hoist us up near a tree. Once high enough, it was up to the person in the harness to release themself from the pulley. Once that was released, the person would swing out over the brush and ground below. This experience was both amazing and terrifying. As I watched my children go on the rope swing, there was little I could do to help them. When I myself was up there with my hands trembling as I tried to release the pulley, I had to forge onward or face the defeat of asking to be let slowly down. I knew that I wanted to do this, although in that moment I'm not sure I remembered why. This is often how crucible experiences feel. They are both terrifying and amazing, and its really up to the person having the experience to struggle through a truly emotional growth process or come through triumphant. Either end result offers an opportunity for growth.

A crucible is defined as 1. a container in which metals are heated to high, melting temperatures, 2. a severe test or trial, and 3. a situation where elements interact to produce something new.

Mentoring leaders is about more than just talking, reading, and planning together. It is also about creating opportunities for growth. If we might fail or struggle or get embarrassed it provides us a chance to grow very quickly.

I've talked about hosting a Spelling Bee and how I have seen children grow by leaps and bounds from that experience. Poetry Bees and Cultural Literacy Bowls have provided similar experiences with slightly different skills and tools. Any opportunity to speak in public can offer a crucible experience as well. Experiences like a ropes course or rope swing can also provide crucible experiences for growth. What crucible experiences have you participated in? What can you make available to those you mentor?