Tethering and Untethering: Why Are They Important?
Tethering on the South Downs, October 2024
Inspired during a creative retreat on the beautiful Isle of Harris in September, I found myself reflecting on the power of tethering and untethering in life and leadership. The landscape itself seemed to embody these forces, rooted in grounding and release. As I walked along, I noticed how everything was tethered to the earth in such an intentional way. Caravans were wrapped with rope and held by rocks, bins were weighted and tethered to fences, all in response to the wild winds that blew across the island. Every object seemed to carry its own story of grounding and resilience.
These observations encouraged me to consider my own life and leadership, and I began asking myself: What am I tethered to? What routines, ideas, or behaviors hold me securely and which ones are weighing me down, or holding me back?
Through this process of self-reflection and the examining of things that we’re tethered to and what we might choose to untether from is a profound journey of self-awareness and growth. It requires us to recognise what stabilises us, what keeps us grounded and connected, and what we might need to release to move forward. This month’s blog is exploring how the concepts of tethering and untethering can empower us.
Tethering as a Source of Strength and Stability
Tethering provides stability and grounding. It’s the way we anchor ourselves, both physically and emotionally, in the busyness of our daily lives. Our routines, relationships, and beliefs give us the stability to stand firm in turbulent times.
In leadership, tethering can take the form of core values, trusted relationships, or time-honoured practises that support us in making decisions. These are the aspects of our lives and work that we return to when the world around us seems unpredictable. Our tethers - whether they are values, mentors, or practises - act as reminders of what truly matters and help us stay grounded, even when faced with challenging circumstances.
Consider the value of a morning routine, for instance. For many, the act of beginning each day with a familiar sequence, whether it’s a quiet coffee, a walk, or a few minutes of reflection, provides a strong sense of grounding. It prepares us to face the day ahead, no matter what surprises it may bring. As leaders, these daily anchors remind us of our intentions and allow us to stay focused, even amid the demands and distractions that arise.
Recognising When Tethers Turn into Constraints
While tethering brings us strength and stability, there comes a time when these anchors can begin to hold us back. Like an object that’s too tightly bound to the ground, we may become rigid, unable to shift or adapt to new challenges. We can find ourselves tethered not just to helpful routines, but also to unhelpful habits, outdated beliefs, or relationships that no longer serve us.
Recognising when our tethers have become constraints is essential for growth. This requires deep introspection, a willingness to question long-held beliefs and routines, and the courage to acknowledge that what once served us well may now be limiting us. It is one of the most challenging parts of leadership because it involves confronting the familiar and stepping away from the comfort of routine.
Perhaps we are tethered to a way of thinking that’s become too narrow, or to a work style that no longer aligns with our evolving values and vision. As a leader, ask yourself: What routines or beliefs am I holding onto? Which ones are now holding me back? Remember that assessing whether our anchors need to be adjusted can be crucial in helping us move forward.
The Courage to Untether
Untethering is the process of loosening or releasing those aspects of our lives that no longer support our growth. It is about the courage to let go, to trust ourselves to move freely and explore new paths. Untethering can feel like a risk; after all, tethers keep us safe and secure. But sometimes, safety can mean stagnation. If we never untether, we might miss the opportunity to evolve into a more authentic version of ourselves or miss potential for greater fulfillment in our leadership roles.
In leadership, untethering might mean rethinking an established strategy, breaking free from traditional hierarchies, or challenging the status quo. It could mean ending a partnership that no longer aligns with our values or releasing a once-beloved project that no longer serves our mission. Each act of untethering requires trust in ourselves, in our vision, and in the knowledge that moving forward sometimes requires leaving something behind.
Untethering does not mean recklessly abandoning all that we know. It means making a conscious choice to release what no longer supports us, with an understanding that we’re making space for something new. It’s about trusting that what lies ahead is worth the vulnerability of letting go.
Finding a Balance
Life and leadership are ultimately about balance - the balance between grounding and growing, between holding on and letting go. The journey of personal and professional growth requires a careful dance of tethering and untethering. Too much tethering, and we risk stagnation; too much untethering, and we may lose our way.
The landscape of Harris I visited in September reminded me of this delicate balance. Just as each object was tethered to withstand the winds, it also had the flexibility to be moved, adjusted, and even released when the time was right. This balance allows us to remain grounded while still embracing change and possibility. It invites us to stay connected to our roots, our values, and our purpose, while also trusting ourselves to venture into new territory when the time is right.
In leadership, this balance requires adaptability and an openness to transformation. It’s the willingness to keep our values firmly rooted, while also remaining receptive to new ideas, perspectives, and directions. It’s about honoring the wisdom that got us here, while also daring to imagine new possibilities for the future.
Reflecting on Your Own Tethers
As you consider your own journey, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect: What are you currently tethered to, and how do these tethers serve you? Are there beliefs, habits, or relationships that ground and support you? Are there any tethers that, upon reflection, may be holding you back?
Ask yourself where you might need to loosen your grip, and where you might need to tighten it. As a leader, where are you being called to release old patterns, and where are you being called to recommit to your values? This process of reflecting on our tethers can reveal new insights about who we are and who we want to become.
Embracing the Power of Tethering and Untethering
The power of tethering and untethering is ultimately about choosing our path with intentionality. It is about grounding ourselves in what truly matters while embracing the courage to let go of what no longer serves us. As leaders, this balance allows us to navigate the ever-changing landscape of our roles with resilience, clarity, and authenticity.
So as you move forward, may you find the courage to examine what tethers you, to release what weighs you down, and to trust in your ability to adapt and grow.
