What did I learn in the mountains about leadership?

Most people believe that mountaineering is about conquering mountains, but any true mountaineer will tell you otherwise. The truth about mountaineering is best narrated in the words of Sir. Edmund Hilary- “It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves”. The things that we learn from the mountains make for the best we can learn as individuals, as teams, and most importantly as leaders.

After spending years in the mountains, I have learned invaluable lessons that not only helped improve me as a capable person but also grow as a better leader.

I realized every time I would go to the mountains to climb, trek, hike, or just walk, I was strengthening leadership skills that were not only effective in the mountains but could also be used in my personal and professional life. Anyone can do the same through any experience that challenges them to push their boundaries.

The list is long, but I will share some lessons that have shaped me the most in my journey to try and become a leader who is capable of making a difference.

Facing Challenges

“The best way to make smaller a big mountain is to climb that mountain” -?Mehmet Murat Ildan

From afar, any challenge might look insurmountable, but when you decide to overcome it, nothing is impossible. Just choose the right tools, the right team, and the right belief and commence your climb. The more you climb, the less daunting a mountain is. Remember every mountaintop is within reach if you just climb it. This is similar to climbing which is 80% mental and 20% physical. It’s your resilience and willpower that help you succeed in the end. The only way you can work on your psychological health is by gaining experience with struggle and building on your self-awareness.

Enjoy Every Little Success on the Way

“The summit is what drives us but the climb itself is what matters.” -??Conard Anker

As a leader, the summit will always be your goal, but take a minute to appreciate every small achievement on the way. Keep acknowledging the effort of the team thus far and keep taking a reality check. After all, it’s you who is leading the way and you don’t want to lead the team up the wrong path. Don’t hold back the display of your gratitude for special occasions, but make it a standard practice for you and your teammates to show to one another at every possible opportunity. This helps the team bond and which helps makes that collective effort to achieve the team's goals much easier.?

Have the Correct Tools

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail” -?Benjamin Franklin

It is not only the good tactics that win you the war, it is also good logistics. The success of any project, big or small, depends largely on detailed planning and preparation. Collect detailed knowledge about what you are going to face, pick the right tools, pick the right time, select the right team, and train them well.?A well-planned start will provide you with more space and time to focus on other issues along your journey.

Expect the Unexpected

When preparing, remember the mountaineering wisdom-?“It’s always further than it looks. It’s always taller than it looks. And it’s always harder than it looks.” -?Reinhold Messner

Despite all the preparation and planning, you will face the unexpected. Surprises come in all shapes and sizes but a team that is well trained, and more importantly well motivated and well lead, will surmount all obstacles. Such unplanned difficulties will pose lesser mental and physical challenges if you are already expecting them. After all, it is the challenge that makes the mountain worth climbing.?

Goal & Conviction

“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go”. - T.S. Eliot

As a leader, have the courage to set a difficult goal for yourself and your team and then have the conviction of making good of the goal. There is no point in achieving something that has already been achieved. Push for something new, set new standards, and then go out and achieve it. You and your team could be in the best physical shape, but you need to train your mind and your team’s as well, otherwise, they can give up easily when they reach one or multiple obstacles.??

Attention to Detail

‘‘It isn’t the mountain ahead that wears you out; it’s the grain of sand in your shoe”. - Robert W. Service

A leader cannot afford to focus only on the larger picture. Every single detail needs attention to prevent jeopardizing the climb. Take a pause, take stock of things, check on your team, iron out minor problems, and then resume the journey. This will pay rich dividends toward the successful attainment of your goal.

There is so much more that I have learned from the mountains. One thing that stands out is that leaders are seldom born. Leaders are made. Leaders are made from a series of learnings, from failure and success, from having tried to reach further. The ability to learn life lessons is the bedrock on which leadership is based.?

See here some videos:

https://youtube.com/shorts/RV9r-vAHnx8

https://youtube.com/shorts/WeQsX-9TqfY

https://youtube.com/shorts/tksj64ExQQY