Archery, Leadership, and Hitting the Target

I have always been curious about archery and have wondered whether I could participate in an archery event despite the limitations of my right arm.

For the past few weeks, I have practiced the intricacies of drawing a bow with a five-pound weight, slowly building confidence and strength.

I asked my networking group whether anyone would be interested in archery, and to my surprise, several people were. We had a mix of experience levels—from none to novice—which made the experience even more meaningful. I was excited, motivated, and committed to participating.

When I met with the owner of Archery Outpost, he gave me a tour of the facility and took me upstairs to the range. He handed me a ten-pound bow and demonstrated how to draw and release.

The first draw fell to the floor.

The second one hit the target.

Talk about an adrenaline rush.

We scheduled the event for April 30th from 4–5 PM and planned dinner together afterward at a local restaurant.

Four of us attended the archery event, and we each shot three rounds of twelve arrows. We laughed, competed, encouraged one another, and genuinely had a blast. I loved the game’s strategy, the focus it required, and the excitement of the final round to determine the winner.

I was nervous at first. Would 36 draws affect my arm? Would I be able to make it through successfully?

At the beginning, I missed several targets. I expected that.

But once I realized my arm was going to be okay, I relaxed, had fun, and stayed engaged. I successfully completed the entire event.

The highlight for me was straightforward:

I hit the target.

Now, consider this story through the lens of leadership and talent retention. Your employees are drawing bows every day.

They are nervous about something.
They are navigating limitations you may not see.
They are trying to meet targets while learning strategy, confidence, timing, and self-trust.

And sometimes… they miss.

The question is:
Do you know what they are carrying?
Do you know what they are trying to overcome?
Do you know what motivates them enough to keep trying?

Great leaders do not expect perfection from those who are still learning.

They ask thoughtful questions.
They create opportunities for growth.
They help people discover what success looks like for them.
And when their employees finally hit the target, they celebrate with them.

That is what builds confidence.
That is what builds trust.
That is what strengthens retention.

When employees know you genuinely care, they feel seen, heard, understood, and supported.

People stay where they feel valued.

Key Insights

Employees often navigate invisible challenges while striving to perform well.
Confidence grows through encouragement, repetition, and safe opportunities to learn.
Missed targets are often part of the learning process—not evidence of failure.
Leaders who foster supportive environments strengthen engagement and retention.

What Matters Most

People do not need leaders who expect perfection.
They need leaders who create safety, encouragement, and belief while they grow.

Reflection Questions

What unseen challenges might your employees be facing right now?
How do you respond when someone “misses the mark” at work?
What opportunities are you creating to help people build confidence and capability?
How often do you celebrate progress, not just outcomes?

Quick Practice

This week, ask one employee:

“What is something you are still trying to figure out?”
“What support would help you feel more confident?”

Then listen intentionally without immediately solving the problem for them.

What Results You Can Expect

Increased trust and psychological safety
Greater confidence and employee engagement
Improved learning and resilience
Stronger morale and team connection
Higher retention because employees feel valued and supported

Quote

“Confidence comes not from always being right, but from not fearing being wrong.” — Peter T. McIntyre

Leadership is not about demanding perfect aim.
It is about helping people believe they can hit the target.

Archery, Leadership, and Hitting the Target