Confidently Climbing Higher
We recently wrapped up the 2021 Leadership Symposium, an annual event designed to nurture and inspire a diverse community of leaders, including businesses, church leaders, school leaders and non-profits. The Symposium gives leaders the opportunity to come in for the day and hear top-name presenters share insights about various topics, with a focus on servant leadership. This year’s event was made possible by 43 sponsors who stepped up to represent our community of leaders, and we’re grateful for their support and the shared passion we all have for this event.
This year’s theme was “UNCERTAINTY”, with the “Un” meaningfully crossed out. The tagline was “Confidently Climbing Higher”, to signify the event’s mountain-climbing theme, which delved into how to guide teams and lead through times of uncertainty.
Program Speaks to People “Where They Are”
Each Symposium features a handful of national leadership experts who provide their own unique point of view on the subject. When gathering feedback after these events, I’m always amazed at how personalized the experience becomes, with different people having different key takeaways. To me, this demonstrates that the programming really speaks to people “where they are” and provides insights that are relevant to a variety of circumstances.
Adventures of a Mountain Guide
This year we had the privilege of hearing from Jeff Evans, who is a world-class mountain guide, adventurer, emergency medic and philanthropist. If this sounds like a huge number of accomplishments for one lifetime, it is...we were all very impressed. Jeff spoke of his many adventures, which are shared in his most recent book Climbing Through Storms: Managing Adversity in a VUCA World. We handed out this book as one of the table prizes at the Symposium, and I highly recommend it as a very rewarding read.
The Sherpa Attitude
One of Jeff’s points that really stuck with me was his description of what we commonly refer to as Servant Leadership. He calls this the “Sherpa Attitude” because of his time spent with this native Tibetan group. As they aid mountain climbers on the world’s highest peaks, their aim is to elevate those around them while not neglecting their own needs. They are quietly confident as they help the people they’re serving climb to heights they couldn’t reach on their own.
Jeff showed us a picture of one Sherpa he’s known for 20-plus years who helped him climb Mount Everest several times. He described some interesting features in this photo, which depicts him standing next to the Sherpa, “Here I am, I’m fully outfitted in top-of-the-line, high-tech equipment.” Then he points to the Sherpa, “He’s got four pair of blue jeans on. And you can see that he has oxygen hanging on his back, but he doesn’t have an oxygen mask on. That’s because that oxygen is for me when my supply runs out.” Clearly, the Sherpa’s main purpose was to help Jeff climb to new heights.
Confidently Climbing Higher
There was also a video that showed Jeff guiding a blind climber, Erik Weihenmayer, in a month-long race. When they came to a river, this was a point where every racer needed to make a decision. They could either trek down to the river and cross using a rope (the easier, safer way), or they could jump off a 40-foot cliff into the river below, which is riskier, but provides a shortcut and therefore an advantage in the race.
They decided to jump. The video shows them jumping off the cliff hand in hand, into the river, with Erik not being able to see anything, putting all his trust in Jeff. It really drives home the importance of establishing mutual trust, communication, and the ability to manage adversity together. To quote Jeff, “ultimately, we are all guides, shelving our own agendas and nurturing the people we’re with to make them better.”
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As shown in the photo above, Erik and Jeff did eventually make it to the summit of Mount Everest, confidently climbing higher with each step along the way. The significance of this achievement gives meaning to the power of servant leadership, and serves as inspiration for us all.
Special Note About The Symposium 2022:
If you’re interested, the next Symposium will take place August 19, 2022, and will once again feature Jeff Evans as one of the speakers. We’re currently offering special early-bird pricing through October 1, 2021. You can view more information here, and we look forward to seeing our community of leaders once again next summer!
About Brian Miller
Brian Miller is President and CEO of ProVia, a leading manufacturer of professional-class entry doors, storm doors, patio doors, windows, vinyl siding, manufactured stone and metal roofing. The professional-class designation reflects the company’s high level of quality, service and customization. ProVia’s mission is “to serve, by caring for details in ways others won’t.” Each employee continually strives to put these words into action by providing unmatched quality and service, every day.
Company: ProVia
Website: ProVia.com
Connect with Brian on LinkedIn.
?This article originally appeared on the?ProVia website.
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3 年I love the quote you shared from Jeff Evans, “Ultimately, we are all guides, shelving our own agendas and nurturing the people we’re with to make them better.” I had the privilege of being at ProVia's Leadership Symposium and hearing Jeff share his experience. I will never forget the picture of Jeff jumping off the cliff with his friend Erik who is blind. What a striking image of trust and courage! I love that ProVia nurtures servant leadership in our community. Thank you for providing the Leadership Symposium...looking forward to 2022!