Climbing a mountain- Part 2

I’ll continue where I left off last week- what are the parallels or similarities between a mountain climb and being in business?

First, when businesses start out, whether they are successful right off the bat or not, there is usually a period of high energy and high activity, much like the start of a climb. But as the business settles in, the pace usually tapers off and things become more routine, also like a climb. Whether that’s good or not can be argued. Do you want a high energy company or not? My sense is that a lot of high energy is often wasted motion, wasted thought, etc. I’ve been in places where people run around like ‘chickens with their heads cut off’ and are ineffective. I’m all for intensity but make sure it is done with focus and purpose, and it will not wear out the key people in your organization. Get your organization in a pace that is sustainable but is pushing forward continually- kind of like riding a bike at a steady strong pace for fifty miles, but not at sprint or breakaway speed. Or, to go back to the mountain climbing example, a nicely cadenced stride or step pattern.

Next, when you do something new in business, it will test you. It will use all of your current resources and more. It will force you to use your brain in new ways. If you’re being challenged by a continual problem or a competitive force, you’ll need to muscle up and suck it up to move ahead. You can stare all you want at the steep rocky wall in front of you, but sooner or later you’re going to have to climb to get to the top. It’s okay to be nervous and unsure of what lies ahead. But, you’re going to have to summon the courage to take on what’s in front of you. You have to act. You have to be aware of the consequences of failing- this will sharpen your focus, help your planning and steel your resolve.

And finally, the reward is great when you hit your goals and you know that you’ve put forth your maximum effort. The view from the top is great, and when you do it with someone else, your team for example, it’s all the more satisfying. It bonds you because everyone has gone through the experience or process together and you can share and celebrate your success.

Climbing A Mountain- part 2

I’ll continue where I left off last week- what are the parallels or similarities between a mountain climb and being in business?

First, when businesses start out, whether they are successful right off the bat or not, there is usually a period of high energy and high activity, much like the start of a climb. But as the business settles in, the pace usually tapers off and things become more routine, also like a climb. Whether that’s good or not can be argued. Do you want a high energy company or not? My sense is that a lot of high energy is often wasted motion, wasted thought, etc. I’ve been in places where people run around like ‘chickens with their heads cut off’ and are ineffective. I’m all for intensity but make sure it is done with focus and purpose, and it will not wear out the key people in your organization. Get your organization in a pace that is sustainable but is pushing forward continually- kind of like riding a bike at a steady strong pace for fifty miles, but not at sprint or breakaway speed. Or, to go back to the mountain climbing example, a nicely cadenced stride or step pattern.

Next, when you do something new in business, it will test you. It will use all of your current resources and more. It will force you to use your brain in new ways. If you’re being challenged by a continual problem or a competitive force, you’ll need to muscle up and suck it up to move ahead. You can stare all you want at the steep rocky wall in front of you, but sooner or later you’re going to have to climb to get to the top. It’s okay to be nervous and unsure of what lies ahead. But, you’re going to have to summon the courage to take on what’s in front of you. You have to act. You have to be aware of the consequences of failing- this will sharpen your focus, help your planning and steel your resolve.

And finally, the reward is great when you hit your goals and you know that you’ve put forth your maximum effort. The view from the top is great, and when you do it with someone else, your team for example, it’s all the more satisfying. It bonds you because everyone has gone through the experience or process together and you can share and celebrate your success.

Climbing a mountain- Part 1

It’s been a while since I posted- it seems my summer got away from me, for a lot of good reasons. I’ve had a wonderful summer in the northwest.
Last week, I took a day off and went into the Cascades with a friend to climb McClellen Butte. It’s similar to Mt. Si in terms of vertical feet to climb (roughly 3600), round trip distance (9.0 miles) and what’s at the top (a rocky peak).
We started off in good shape, all prepared with our water, hiking sticks and trail food for the day hike. We started hiking at a good pace and gradually going up through the forest. Then, it started getting steeper and steeper and my pace slowed…my buddy was moving ahead with no problem! I started sweating and breathing harder- it was a touch humid. I’m in pretty good shape from cycling but this was challenging for me. I was reminded of how different muscles are used for hiking and climbing. We kept climbing and although our pace was consistent, by now it was harder to maintain. By the time we got close to the top I was soaked with sweat and tired. Then I looked up and there was the rocky peak- up another 100 feet or so. To get to the top, you have to climb a rocky facing, which is at about a 75 degree angle. There are spots to put your foot into and grab with your hands. But, if you get careless and make a mistake it’s bye-bye…a nice 800 foot plunge to your end.
Needless to say, I was a bit nervous, but my buddy went right up. “Hey, Pete, you gotta’ do this, you gotta’ come up here- the view is awesome! Just lean into the mountain and don’t look down”. Right. Well, I summoned my courage and went on up, very carefully, and it was worth it in every respect. A great view and a sense of accomplishment.
Now came the hard part- coming down the rock facing! It’s even more difficult than going up. I was extra cautious on this but obviously I made it. And I felt a sense of relief. We ate our lunches and started the trek back down. Hiking down a mountain also puts stress on joints and muscles that you don’t use on the way up, so that by the end of the hike my body had had a workout!
This little adventure got me thinking about the many parallels for business and I’ll address those in my next post.

Climbing a mountain- part 1

It’s been a while since I posted- it seems my summer got away from me, for a lot of good reasons. I’ve had a wonderful summer in the northwest.

Last week, I took a day off and went into the Cascades with a friend to climb McClellen Butte- see the picture at lower right under the ‘One of my pics’ section. It’s similar to Mt. Si in terms of vertical feet to climb (roughly 3600), round trip distance (9.0 miles) and what’s at the top (a rocky peak).

We started off in good shape, all prepared with our water, hiking sticks and trail food for the day hike. We started hiking at a good pace and gradually going up through the forest. Then, it started getting steeper and steeper and my pace slowed…my buddy was moving ahead with no problem! I started sweating and breathing harder- it was a touch humid. I’m in pretty good shape from cycling but this was challenging for me. I was reminded of how different muscles are used for hiking and climbing. We kept climbing and although our pace was consistent, by now it was harder to maintain. By the time we got close to the top I was soaked with sweat and tired. Then I looked up and there was the rocky peak- up another 100 feet or so. To get to the top, you have to climb a rocky facing, which is at about a 75 degree angle. There are spots to put your foot into and grab with your hands. But, if you get careless and make a mistake it’s bye-bye…a nice 800 foot plunge to your end.

Needless to say, I was a bit nervous, but my buddy went right up. “Hey, Pete, you gotta’ do this, you gotta’ come up here- the view is awesome! Just lean into the mountain and don’t look down”. Right. Well, I summoned my courage and went on up, very carefully, and it was worth it in every respect. A great view and a sense of accomplishment.

Now came the hard part- coming down the rock facing! It’s even more difficult than going up. I was extra cautious on this but obviously I made it. And I felt a sense of relief. We ate our lunches and started the trek back down. Hiking down a mountain also puts stress on joints and muscles that you don’t use on the way up, so that by the end of the hike my body had had a workout!

This little adventure got me thinking about the many parallels for business and I’ll address those in my next post.