Mt. Everest is a mountain that stands over
29,000 feet high, or 5.5 miles. The top of Mount Everest is the highest point
on earth where humans can walk.
Imagine being part of a team to climb Mt.
Everest . . . now, imagine you're also blind. Erik Weihenmayer, the first
blind climber to scale Everest, put together a team to achieve what many said
was impossible.
Most teams realize that if they work
together well, focus on the same goals and share a strong commitment to their
achievement, they'll have a good chance of succeeding.
But nowhere is that more true than with a
team of climbers who engage in a life-and-death struggle with a mountain like
Everest.
In March 2001, 14 men and women traveled
to Nepal in the pursuit of Everest. Sherman Bull, if he made it, would be the
oldest person to do so. And Erik Weihenmayer would be the first blind person
to ever accomplish this challenging feat of endurance.
They not only achieved their dream but
accomplished the most successful ascent of Everest ever. During the climb, he
and his team achieved these extraordinary results:
-
Everyone made it to the top!
-
Everyone returned without serious health problems
-
Sherman and his son Brad were the first father and son combo
-
Sherman was the oldest man to reach the top
-
Their team achieved incredible communication -- not one argument on the
trip! (up until then, that had virtually been unheard of)
-
Maintained a sense of flow -- for example,
supplies were where they needed them every time
-
Built an inspiring level of trust and
confidence in one another although they didn't know one another when they
started
They didn't accomplish this feat by accident. They had a very well-defined and
focused game plan. That was the one big key to their success.
Now I want you to imagine that you were the consultant or coach that helped
this team develop their plan and achieve this challenging goal. Can you
imagine what an incredible win that would be for both the team and for
yourself?
So what does this have to do with the utility industry?
Tons!
Teamwork is the glue that holds the puzzle together. The pieces connected and
supporting each other are far stronger than any piece standing alone.
Teamwork affects morale, productivity, customer perception, sales, and of
course, your profitability. I would say above all else, morale . . . a
negative person or department can spoil it for everyone else! One bad apple
spoils the barrel.
Take a look at your team . . . do you
-
Have clearly defined goals with
respective timeframes?
-
Have a mission/vision that
everyone understands?
-
Have a well-defined and focused
game plan?
-
Have an understanding of the
risks and rewards for success and failure?
-
Have players on your team that
are committed?
-
Have established processes for
open and honest communication?
-
Have proper processes to ensure
“flow?”
-
Have a level of trust and
confidence amongst your players?
There are many factors in developing teamwork . . . is your team prepared to
scale your Mount Everest?
