Walk a Path Worth Following
This Father’s Day, consider who’s quietly following your lead—and where you’re guiding them
“We are what they grow beyond. That is the burden of all masters.”
— Yoda
Walk the Path Worth Following
It was a cold winter evening, and snow had been falling steadily all day, blanketing the streets in fresh white powder. A father walked home after a long day of work, his boots pressing deep footprints into the untouched snow.
A few blocks into his walk, he heard a small voice behind him, “Daddy, wait for me—I’m walking in your footsteps!”
He turned to see his young son, carefully placing his small feet into the exact impressions left in the snow.
The father stopped in his tracks.
In that quiet moment, it hit him—his path was not his alone. Every step he took, someone was watching. Following. Learning. Becoming.
Without a word, he turned around, took his son’s hand, and led him home—this time, with purpose and awareness of who was walking alongside him.
This story captures something important for every father, coach, and leader.
Your influence may be invisible in the moment, but it is never insignificant.
I think about my own dad—one of the hardest-working people I know. He has grit, resilience, and pride in everything he does. When he sets his mind to something, he finds a way to get it done. No excuses. No shortcuts. Just sheer determination and stick-to-itiveness.
Over the years, I’ve come to realize that I’ve been following in his footprints … his work ethic, his integrity, and his relentless commitment to finish what he starts. His example shaped me and how I lead.
What kind of footprints are you leaving? The beauty of that snowy night wasn’t in where the father had been—it was in how he chose to walk forward, knowing little feet were following.
The young people you lead today will become the coaches, parents, and leaders of tomorrow. The footprints you leave today will be seen in their values, their relationships, and the way they show up when life gets hard.
Just like my dad’s quiet example of work ethic and grit, your everyday choices are laying down paths that others will walk long after you're gone.
Happy Father’s Day—to my dad and to all the dads, mentors, and difference-makers reading this—and to every leader who understands that someone is always watching, learning, and following in your footsteps.
Keep walking the path worth following!
“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”
— John C. Maxwell
Connecting this quote to the story. True leadership isn't just about having direction—it’s about walking with integrity and intention, especially when others, like the child in the snow, are following every step we take.
This week’s Chasing Influence tip: You are leaving footprints—make sure they lead where you want others to go.
If you enjoyed this story, a series of three Chasing Influence workbooks is available. Stories are accompanied by discussion questions and answers. Each workbook contains 33 lessons to use with any team.
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©Troy Urdahl, 2025