6 Actions That Help Backpackers Survive and Leaders Thrive

I loved backpacking when I was younger. It was challenging, energizing, and sometimes anxiety-producing. However, even my most adventurous trips were only a few days, mostly in the Northeastern U.S., and usually in the milder seasons of spring, summer, and fall.

In contrast, three of the most demanding trail systems in the U.S., that push the limits of even seasoned hikers, are the Pacific Crest Trail (2,654 miles), the Appalachian Trail (2,190 miles), and the Grand Canyon (over 700 miles). But it is the Grand Canyon that is considered one of the most challenging and dangerous of all hikes, with only 12 people ever completing it. That is half the number of American astronauts who have flown to or walked on the moon (24)!

Whether you are heading out for a weekend hike or tackling a long-distance trek, there are essential practices that help you make it through. And many of these same behaviors are just as vital for leadership.

Here are six actions that help both backpackers survive and leaders thrive.

1. Planning Well

When I was in tenth grade, four friends and I decided to climb Mount Marcy, the highest peak in the New York Adirondacks. But we planned to do it in the winter. With two feet of snow on the ground. You can tell this isn’t going in a good direction. We had a passion for hiking and felt that we were well qualified. After all, we had modest experience in hiking… in the warmer months. But the ranger at the base of the mountain strongly discouraged us from doing it. He said our fuel would freeze, our sleeping bags were not rated warm enough, and we did not have snowshoes or ice crampons. In short, we were ill-prepared, and he did not want to come and rescue us! Leaders who are going to lead well for the long haul will invest in planning well.

2. Seeking Expert Advice

Those who have any chance of successfully climbing a major peak like Mount Everest have guides – expert climbers who have successfully made the 29,031-foot ascent. The rest of us should sit at home and watch the movie. Having expert advice doesn’t mean bad things don’t unfold, but it reduces the risks of those bad things happening. Experts do not control the weather or the dangers that come with high altitude, but their experience has made them smart enough to prepare for it. Just like hikers, smart leaders seek out expert advice from those who have more experience and have access to knowledge they may not yet possess. Proverbs 20:18 captures the importance of seeking advice well: “Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance.”

3. Traveling Lean

I read the story of a professional writer and a professional photographer who did a thru-hike of the Grand Canyon. In their first attempt, they not only violated the principles of planning well and seeking expert advice, but they also did not understand the vital importance of lean packing. While their packs were 55-60 pounds, the packs of the three experts they were hiking with were 30 pounds each. Within the first day, these two guys were getting crushed. The heat was brutal, and the weight was devastating. That was until one of the experts emptied their packs and started tossing out one item after another. Items they thought were essential but in reality would have held them back and even harmed them. Successful leaders learn the difference between what is essential and what is desired. They are disciplined and laser-focused on that which is most important for their organization.

4. Sacrificing Comfort

To travel light means to sacrifice comfort. When I was in my teens, all I needed was some water, some food, a few matches, a flashlight, a sleeping bag, and I was good to go. If I were to go hiking now, I would need my own team of sherpas to carry my Diet Coke, Peanut M&Ms, recliner, iPad, memory foam mattress, and two pillows. With almost no exceptions, every successful leader I have gotten to know over the past 25 years of coaching and consulting has made enormous sacrifices to grow their business, nonprofit, or church. Crazy amounts of hours. Many evening meetings. Few weekends off. And money in very limited supply. Just like successful backpackers, successful leaders sacrifice short-term comfort for long-term achievement. Using a popular phrase, they “play the long game,” meaning they focus on long-term goals rather than short-term gratification.

5. Traveling with Others

We know that living life isolated can be a dangerous choice. People live longer and experience a greater quality of life when they have others with them, just like backpackers. Backpackers in groups can keep each other grounded, make more level-headed decisions, and help when someone is injured. Many years ago, I took a group of teens on a backpacking trip. One of them was having a rough time, and the other kids carried some of her gear to lighten her load. That’s the benefit of not going alone. The same is true for leaders – we perform better and lead more effectively when we have others around us to balance us, test our assumptions, and provide strengths we do not possess.

6. Showing Humility

I recently watched the movie Everest on Netflix. It was about two 1996 mountain climbing teams led by expert climbing guides, each seeking to get their team to the top. But the problems began to compound: an approaching blizzard, lack of oxygen, pressure from those who paid to reach the summit, snow blindness, and more. Decisions were made by some to continue on, even though there were warning signs to turn back while it was still possible. But they did not. Eight climbers died on that excursion – some as a result of not knowing when to humbly turn back and stop the pursuit. A humble leader asks for help, acknowledges mistakes, and looks out for others.

Contact us to learn about how our experienced coaches can assist you in planning well for the future of your organization.

Jay Desko is the President & CEO of The Center Consulting Group and brings experience in the areas of organizational assessment, leadership coaching, decision-making, and strategic questioning. Jay’s degrees include an M.Ed. in Instructional Systems Design from Pennsylvania State University and a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Leadership from The Union Institute.