Bridging the Gap Between Mountaineering and Executive Leadership

Hello, fearless adventurers and ambitious executives! Today, we embark on an exhilarating journey, exploring the curious parallels between mountaineering and executive leadership. Strap on your crampons, tighten your ties, pull out your lipstick, and let's discover how these seemingly different worlds are not so far apart after all.

1. The Summit and The Boardroom: Reaching the Pinnacle

Scaling the peak of a mountain and reaching the pinnacle of success in the boardroom both involve setting ambitious goals. Mountaineers visualize the summit, while executives envision business milestones. The mantra? Aim high, plan strategically, and stay determined, even if the air gets a bit thin! And most importantly, come back safe, and with a win in the pocket!

2. The Art of Delegating (and Rappelling): Trusting the Team

Mountaineers rely on fellow climbers to share the burden of carrying equipment, being rescued from crevasses or helping rope travelers being rescued, just like executives delegate tasks to their team members or build successful teams. But remember, just as you wouldn't trust a novice to hold your ropes while rappelling, choose your team wisely! Someone once told me “A people hire A people, B people hire C or D people”. I live by that philosophy in the mountains and in the board room.

3. Navigating through Storms: Crisis Management

In the mountains, storms can appear out of nowhere, and in the business world, crises can strike unexpectedly. Customer requests, challenging demos, defending a budget…Surviving both requires quick thinking, adaptability, and sometimes taking shelter in a bivy or a well-prepared contingency plan.

4. Oxygen for All: Diversity, Equality, Inclusivity and Empathy

Mountain expeditions are a melting pot of cultures and backgrounds, and executive teams should be too. Embrace diversity, foster inclusivity, push for equality and remember, even at high altitudes, everyone needs some "breathing space" for their ideas. Another great inspiration came from a dear friend who said “Women lean on EQ; men on IQ”. I would add to that “Women influence; men coach”. So, let’s be an influential coach with high EIQ.

5. The Perks of Acclimatization: Handling Stress

Acclimatization in mountaineering prepares climbers for higher altitudes, much like executives should encourage a healthy work-life balance to handle the stress of the corporate climb. Many times you have to haul your gear and load up to the next camp and return for more. Same in business, you have to reiterate your product development, your sales meetings, adjust and align with the new challenges. Taking breaks is mandatory.

6. Trailblazing Innovation: Out of the Comfort Zone

Mountaineers continuously explore uncharted territory to discover new routes, while executives must encourage innovative thinking and risk-taking. Who knows? The next "Eureka" moment might come while dangling from a crevasse! It has happened to me many times.

7. Celebrating Milestones: Cheers to Success

When you finally reach the summit or achieve a significant business milestone, celebration is in order! Pop open the champagne or sparkling water; success is sweeter when shared with those who supported you through the journey. And remember, you have to come back safe, go back to the team and share the success and lessons learned. It is not enough to win a deal; you must deliver quality products. It is not enough to summit; you must come back safe.

8. The 'Avalanche' of Emails/Meaningless Events: Communication Overload

In the mountains, avalanches are terrifying, and I have experienced a few, but in the corporate world, an avalanche of emails and communication, or numerous industry events can be just as overwhelming! Tame that beast with effective communication strategies. Tailor your message, know your goals and objectives and FOCUS. And if you need help on how to better communicate, remember, you never stop learning, so go learn more, or find a mentor, or hire help.

9. Letting Go of the Carabiner: Embracing Change

Mountaineers learn to let go of old equipment for new and safer gear. Similarly, executives should embrace change and not cling to outdated practices. It will make a big difference in how you will run your business. I know I’ve had my battles fighting the “but we have always done it like this”.

10. A Pitstop for Reflection: Evaluating Progress

As you descend from the peak, take time to reflect on your mountaineering journey. Likewise, executives should regularly evaluate their progress and learn from experiences. Perhaps a retreat in the wilderness could inspire some profound leadership insights?

So, my fellow mountaineers and leaders, the world of mountaineering and executive leadership might not be as distinct as we once thought. As we bridge the gap between these two realms, let's climb to new heights with determination, teamwork, and a dash of adventure! We at Mantra.Today are here to help you with that.

Remember, success awaits those who dare to dream and conquer mountains - both metaphorical and literal! Until next time, happy climbing and leading!