Teamwork
Climbing Kilimanjaro gave me a lot as an experience. As I reflect, I’d like to share my thoughts on what I learned on the trip.
It’s an amazing achievement to have been part of raising £25k for Children with Cancer charity.
As a group of 9 people meeting for the first time in Kilimanjaro, we had 8 nights on the heighest freestanding structure in the world. Despite each of the group having their own challenges physically or mentally, all 9 made it through in time to have a photo together at the summit 5895 meters above sea level.
As I reflect, this success was down to the team work of the group of 9 and the team work of the support team of 41 guides and porters.
Tirelessly working every day carrying, cooking, singing, cleaning, the group of 41 porters gave us the best chance of reaching the peak. Carrying massive loads up to altitudes where oxygen levels are 40% that at sea level. This team were always smiling – genuinely. Their goal was our success. Their behaviour, hard work and caring made it happen.
What lessons can you take for your business? Having a clear goal that everyone can help to achieve no matter how small their part may seem. So, everyone knows how they can contribute to that goal.
Every part of the trip was systemised and everyone knew their role. They knew what a good job looks like and they did it excellently for as little as $10 per day.
Steve was the camp chief who would erect our tents and make us comfortable. Paul and Pualo would serve us the carbs we needed every mealtime. Many more carried heavy loads up the mountain. Ozzy and Nolasko sang songs to motivate us as they guided us up the trails.
In summary
- Set a clear vision of where you’re headed.
- Ensure everyone knows what they are doing and how that contributes to the team objectives.
- Ensure your team knows what a good job looks like and that they are praised when it’s completed.
I’m still recovering from the trip but the memory will stick with me forever!
