What I learned when I changed my shoes
A few weeks ago I did something extraordinary I had never, ever, contemplated before. I climbed a mountain. Not an especially tall nor difficult one but still a challenge. Mount Fansipan is the highest peak in IndoChina. Friends and family were surprised - anyone who knows me will confirm I am decisively, pro-actively urban. I relax in Westfield- and that’s a shopping centre, not a park.
So why did I do this and what did I gain from the experience?
For the last few years we’ve been developing an adventurous MBA Programme encouraging our students to build an explorer’s mindset – able to read and respond to rapidly changing business environments, reflect and learn fast, discover new value including their own untapped potential. We push them and we stretch them - to learn how to lead themselves, their peers, co- workers, even their boss. It means we frequently nudge our students out of their comfort zones and then provide the support to learn from the experience. I decided it was time to practice what I preach.
So a few weeks ago we gathered some MBA alumni and current students at the end of an MBA International Consulting Week in Hanoi and headed to the mountains for a pilot Leadership Expedition, rattling north to Sapa on an overnight sleeper train. I didn’t sleep much –instead lying awake in those long hours pre-dawn, wondering how everyone would get along, whether we’d be successful and if there might be snakes.
Before we left London - as a first time trekker - I had imagined the learning experience itself would be rather immediate and intense, practices of communication, teamwork and motivation all brought into sharp relief before we’d bond over our blisters. The expedition was to be led by two outstanding mountaineers – Cass Visiting Faculty and experts in leadership, Dr Rodrigo Jordan and Gabriel Becker. I was totally confident therefore, we would be in very safe hands and that they would prompt such self-examining campfire conversations insightfully (which they did – although regrettably without the campfire).
What did surprise me, in addition to the reflective learning, was the opportunity to observe their leadership practices as expedition guides and as facilitators of our desired outcome - the summit. World class mountaineers hone their skills in some of the world’s most challenging environments, developing a sophisticated social and emotional intelligence that rapidly builds trust, confidence and a sense of cohesion.
Watching them was a masterclass in which they demonstrated a number of hugely valuable leadership practices:
Spending time with each of us–one to one -getting to know everyone- really listening as we told our stories. Seeing each person as an individual worth their time
Sharing expertise – (there is a secret to walking energy efficiently, you know) helping us - fast or slow- feel more competent and confident in the outcome
Creating a relaxed environment for the whole group, through their consistent warmth and good humour even though conditions were challenging
Providing reassurance and encouragement if there was anxiety, without ever being superior (which they clearly are)
Demonstrating adaptability in style as the situation changed – when weather worsened, they made quick decisions to keep us safe, no quibbling.
Reaching the summit of Fansipan was an unforgettable experience, one it was my privilege to share with our MBA students, alumni and colleagues. It has resonated far beyond my expectations.
Since returning to London, I have been reading Chris Mawell’s excellent book, Lead Like a Guide, which I now strongly recommend. I have also decided I won’t be putting my new shoes away just yet. Watch this space.