I have a number of posts sitting in draft form, from the announcement of my three climbs booked for 2020 (aptly named the Three Piece Pursuit), to talking about the risks versus rewards of mountaineering, to discussing avalanche preparedness after skiing in Jackson Hole, WY, this February.
However, for the month of March, I have been working around the clock on COVID-19 contingency in an attempt to protect my 160 member-facing team and figuring out how to get the other 50+ people in the back office to work from home instead of HQ. This is all in an attempt to continue to keep people calm while providing what the government considers "essential business." Simultaneously, I'm trying to ensure the safety and well-being of each of my team members, who have families and loved ones at home.
It is said that during times of crisis, people's true colors reveal themselves. Over the last month, that has been abundantly clear at my place of work and around the world. True leaders rise to the occasion regardless of title or position. They grab the bull by the horns, with a course of action and focus, and do so with a calmness and an inner strength that others look to and need. Others unintentionally become panicked and discombobulated. I've quickly learned from the second group of people that panic is more contagious than the COVID-19 virus itself!
I find that mountaineering has helped me be a better leader in times of crisis, pandemics or whatever life throws at me. As the world enters a zone of hysteria due to COVID-19 and global economic shutdown, it is human nature for "fight or flight" to kick in. That means we tend not to think rationally and often times become reactive, causing us to make bad decisions or worse take bad actions.
Reaching new heights in mountaineering has helped to keep me grounded in life and in times of crisis. I like to think of myself more like a Navy SEAL, a warrior who has been specially trained to take quick and decisive actions, despite fear, regardless of the situation. When I'm on the mountain, I embody the Navy SEAL philosophy, not just being mentally and physically tough, but being instinctively ready for anything that comes my way.
Being unprepared or making bad decisions in mountaineering equates to death. The stress of an emergency situation on a mountain, coupled with high altitude, deadly crevasses, no sleep and adrenaline, can lead to disaster. But if you are prepared and trained well, you learn how to channel that stress into crystal-clear focus and flawless execution.
Mountaineering has taught me to do just that. To keep a focused, clear and calm mind no matter the situation because panicking solves nothing. It guarantees that you will waste time, energy and attention that can be better directed to more productive and proactive thought and execution.
Despite what people think, mountaineering isn't just a "fly by the seat of your pants" adrenaline sport. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Climbing is a very strategic and calculated sport, requiring months if not years of preparation for that one summit opportunity. Studying guide books, routes, weather patterns, satellite images and gear lists. Coordinating and collaborating with your climbing partners, government agencies and/or guide companies about logistics, permits, supplies and equipment. Mountaineering is so detailed, that plans are created down to coordinates on a map to literally every foot of altitude or degree of travel. Then it is rehearsed, memorized and visualized so in a whiteout or some unexpected circumstance, you know exactly what to do.
That's where the instinct is built. You train for the expedition both physically and mentally. But training is more than running, hiking and climbing with a weighted pack. It consists of building that instinct for the "unexpected" in case you have to "Texas Prusik" out of a crevasse, switch your avalanche beacon to search, tend to an injured climbing partner, or if the weather turns, be prepared to navigate in zero visibility, or worse, dig in and bivvy.
Every plan requires flexibility and adaptability. In mountaineering, we plan for the worst and we practice for the worst, so when placed in a live situation, instinctively you know what to do. Doing so, you don't panic, which can potentially put your and your climbing partners' lives at risk.
Lastly, great climbers and leaders surround themselves with great people. They have strong communication between one another, they have a bond of trust and have each other's backs no matter what. You can't get to the top of a mountain without them.
So what does mountaineering have to do with a crisis like COVID-19? Climbing has taught me to think logically and rationally, to better prepare, and to be process- and solutions-oriented, all while remaining calm, with a clear and focused mind. By being prepared, able to think through unique situations, I'm able to remain agile and focused on the task at hand during the COVID-19 crisis, and helping those around me to do the same.
I'm grateful for the skills and tools that I have learned in the mountains and on the ledges as they are definitely transferable to life and dealing with COVID-19. With a sound plan or strategy, being well prepared, focused, and working with great people, you can get through anything. For me, I have been fortunate enough to have all, both in mountaineering and in my career.
Be Safe, Be Well, Stay Home and of course...Climb On!
Comments