We met our guide, John Keough, on the side of the road. He sized us up and decided we could handle the hike up the Green Mountains to the cave.
After what seemed like only 10 minutes, we stopped. John pulled off his backpack and handed each of us a helmet with a headlamp attached.
Then he pointed to a crevasse in the side of the mountain. He explained that when we went into the cave, we needed to remember to always have three touchpoints. He pointed to his feet and his two hands to emphasize his point.
I clarified. “Two hands. Two feet. So at least three need to be grounded at all times?”
“Yes,” said John. That’s when I realized - I wasn’t just walking into a cave to check it out.
This was going to be something else entirely. Soon, I learned it was called “caving.”Often people who are afraid but still push themselves to do it, afterwards are so happy they did.
Warm Demander Leadership in Action
The next 60 seconds were John’s moment to convert the skeptics - those of us who were shocked - into believers that we could actually be cavers for the day.
He exuded confidence in his ability to show us how to cave, and in our ability to do it. He didn’t pressure us. He gave each person the option to sit it out and enjoy the view while the others caved on.
I looked at my sons, my nephew, my husband, and brother-in-law and saw them looking at me.
Then John said, “Often people who are afraid but still push themselves to do it, afterwards are so happy they did.”
After a slight pause, I smiled and said, “OK - I’ll do it.”We gained speed early and used it to get over the beaver dams.
Watching, Doing, and Trusting Myself
John broke the climb into short sections. He demonstrated first - making an invisible path visible, by showing us how to steadily move up and down it to avoid slipping into deep holes.
Then each person followed. My sons and nephew eagerly went first. I watched them, then followed too.
Section by section, we completed the adventure in 20 minutes. Then we climbed into another cave for 20 more.
It was exhilarating, and I am happy I did it!
Three Lessons
All along the way in the caves and later when we kayaked, John gave instructions that were not only helpful - they were inspiring. I loved it.
Here are some I remember and will carry with me:
·Three of four points grounded- steady, shift, and move with grace.
·Commit to a path- pick and stick to a route to reach the next checkpoint.
·Use momentum- gain speed early and use it to get over the hump.
These same lessons apply to the challenges leaders face with today’s workforce - especially Gen Z. From building emotional safety and developing soft skills to leading with clarity and care, it’s all about helping early-career employees find their footing and thrive.
Become a Warm Demander Leader
John’s hands-on leadership was extraordinary. He took our inexperienced group and showed us how to climb through dark caves and kayak over beaver dams.
It was incredible.
You too can be an incredible leader — a Warm Demander Leader with a winning team.
In fact, we need you to be a Warm Demander Leader — now more than ever in the rapidly changing workplace.
Get your copy of Get Gen Z into the Game to learn more.
Key Points
Progress depends on committing to a route — choose a direction, trust it, and keep moving even when it’s tight and dark.
Momentum builds when teams have three reliable touchpoints: a clear plan, steady communication, and mutual trust under pressure.