You won’t climb higher if you think you’ve reached your peak.
I have gained some important leadership lessons from my indoor rock-climbing adventures. Here are 8 little lessons that I learned a few years ago from my very first climbing instructor.
1. I was assigned to Ally, the most experienced climber and instructor in the building, who was also a teenager that has been climbing since she learned to walk. At first glance one would never imagine the extensive depth of her knowledge and experience, which demonstrates why we should release preconceived notions of who can mentor us. We will undermine our own progress if we disregard invaluable guidance from persons because of their attributes, appearance or age.
2. Climbing is not something that should be done haphazardly. So, Ally made sure I grasped the foundational safety guidelines and climbing etiquette. Likewise, as leaders, we need to master the basic tenets of leadership, such as integrity, self-awareness, humility, and ethics. Slipping in these areas can damage ourselves and others and will ultimately keep us from reaching the heights of our potential.
3. As I strapped into my harness Ally reemphasized the critical importance of the belay, the mechanism that secures climbers in case we slip or fall. As leaders, we need to make sure we securely put our faith in something strong enough to handle the weight of our lives, leadership, and livelihood. I unapologetically place my faith in God.
4. Because I attended this session alone, Ally was also my belayer. She handled my safety ropes with great care and expertise as she remained stable, strong and firmly planted on the ground. As rising leaders, we have numerous vulnerabilities. Determining who we will rely on to handle our private and most important affairs are critical decisions. Are these persons stable, strong, qualified, excellent, and reliable?
5. When I seemed stuck, Ally helpfully pointed out available holds, the handles that we use to climb higher. As leaders, we all need people to “spot” important opportunities that are within our reach and to warn us when we may be taking unnecessary risks.
6. As I climbed higher and strained to reach for the next holds I heard Ally reminding me to “climb with my legs” instead of overly depending on my arms. Similarly, as we keep climbing in leadership and life we need to engage every aspect of our being… spirit, soul, mind, and body.
7. Throughout the day Ally patiently reassured me and encouraged me to try more advanced walls each climb. Leadership progress should not be rushed and sometimes the simplest words of affirmation (at the right time) will help us move beyond the limitations that we place on ourselves.
8. Although she had instructed and belayed hundreds of climbers, Ally made me feel significant because she celebrated each accomplishment as if it was an extraordinary feat. As leaders we need people who will celebrate our achievements, not because it is a world-renown achievement, but because it is significant to our progress.
Since that first fateful experience I have not only continued my rock-climbing adventures, I have also developed the following mantra. I read it often to motivate myself to take my life and leadership to another level. I hope that it inspires you as well.
KEEP CLIMBING
Keep climbing– out of your comfort zone and up to new heights.
Keep climbing– releasing your past and leaving some behind.
Keep climbing– learning fresh strategies, styles and techniques.
Keep climbing– even if you slip and lose your grip.
Keep climbing– staying focused on what lies ahead.
Keep climbing– never forgetting your ultimate goal.
Keep climbing– even as the various muscles of your life begin to burn.
Keep climbing– after you pause and take a much-needed rest.
Keep climbing– at your own speed and rhythm.
Keep climbing– resisting any compulsion to compare yourself to others who seem to be stronger, faster or further along.
Keep climbing– cheering others on along the way.
Keep climbing– even when you have to be your loudest encourager.
Just. Keep. Climbing.
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