Real work-life balance requires a 'base camp'.

People who climb Mount Everest talk of establishing a "base camp;" a place of safety and certainty in preparation for the ascent. I have not participated in that amazing achievement, but I picked up the phrase a long time ago and have used the analogy in my career to sustain me through some rather tough “climbs” along the way. It's essential that leaders maintain a base camp throughout their careers.

(1) to sustain sanity,

(2) to protect themselves from stress,

(3) and to prepare for, and recover from, stressful events.

After all, our careers are a “climb,” are they not?

Here's what a base camp provides to leaders and climbers, alike:

Elements of a base camp

A place of Safety?

At base camp, climbers know they are not in danger, but they are preparing for something dangerous.

A place of Preparation ?

The climb requires careful thinking, thoughtful planning for food supplies, anticipation of emergencies, and deliberate ways to communicate once the climb is underway.

A place of Rest ?

At base camp, climbers can be at ease; relax and allow their minds and bodies to gain strength for the road ahead.

A place of Replenishment ?

Base camp represents a climb in itself, because it takes several weeks—sometimes months—to get to the bottom of the mountain. Supplies can be replenished as the leader prepares for what is ahead.

A place to Regroup ?

Sometimes attempts to ascend are met with hostile weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Base camp provides a place to regain strategy, to reorganize and to rethink the approach to the climb.

A place to Recover ?

Sometimes people get injured on the climb, but they are unable to completely descend to a valley for several days due to weather conditions.

Here's what base camp means to career climbers:

A place of Safety?

One's home is a place of safety during a career climb. It is a place without danger; a place where one can plan without risk.

A place of Preparation ?

Base camp is the quiet place to consider the approach up the mountain; the necessary actions which must be taken to achieve the summit.

A place of Rest ?

Again, one's home is a place to be at ease; to relax and allow minds and bodies to regain strength. Shutting off the computer and cell phone for a while is a mandatory part of career base camp.

A place of Replenishment ?

Good camaraderie and strong teamwork create an environment for replenishment. Sometimes one member of the team feels stronger than others and, on other days, a different team member may feel stronger. Great team members are a “social base camp” you can turn to when things are tough, to get through hard times.

A place to Regroup ?

Some strategies don't work very well when we're working on a major project. Base camp is a place where we take the time to remove all the distractions of survival, so we can rethink and change our approach. I often go to the library to clear my head and think things through.

A place to Recover ?

Sometimes, we fail in our career strategies, and sometimes we fall off a figurative cliff! Base camp is the place to recover.? A basecamp is a sacred place that belongs to you!

What does it mean to you?

It could be your local library or a forest.? For some, the water or a 20 mile bike ride to decompress. For others, it could be rock climbing, or collecting stamps, or a cool drink on a extraordinary day. Whatever you do in your career, for all the reasons I have listed, protect your base camp. It is a necessary part of a successful career.

The Nuts and Bolts of Leadership

I look forward to your thoughtful insights!

Dr. Jim