One of Colorado’s many outdoor offerings are the 14ers (mountain peaks that are over 14,000 feet in elevation). It is not an easy feat to summit one, but is a favorite challenge for many.
I had the pleasure of being part of a small team (two of my daughters, a friend, and his daughter) that took on Mt. Quandary recently. In both the preparation for and in doing the actual hike, I could see multiple key team roles on display.
I recall colleagues stepping into similar roles for team projects of all sizes. As on any team, no one person had a monopoly on any singular role. We worked best when everyone stepped into the role that aligned with their strengths at the time.
The visionary
We do a lot of hiking, yet 14ers had found their way to the “someday” list. We have done a few in the past, but they are not a usual occurrence.
This one came about due to my daughter’s summer bucket list. Mixed in with more easily-achieved items such as spending the night on the trampoline, cooking a new recipe, and pulling an all nighter, was the bigger challenge of hiking a 14er.
The visionary that put the idea on paper and got the ball rolling. By saying “I want to do this by the end of the summer,” it was easier for the rest of us to commit as well.
The scheduler
Timing is key aspect for a challenge like this. With an outdoor adventure in Colorado, weather is a significant element since it can vary so much between the base and the peak of a mountain.
Three weeks ago we had our first snow storm (yes, it was early September) in Colorado. It dumped multiple feet of snow on the mountaintops and put a damper on our initial plan to go the weekend after Labor Day. From pictures posted online by a few that tried, it was more reminiscent of Mt Everest than a peak in Colorado: brave souls leaning into the wind-whipped snow as they trudged up the path with their micro-spikes on to keep from slipping.
Waiting a few weeks after the storm allowed autumn to reclaim the peak.
The preparer
With the date set, we needed to be prepared for any circumstance on the trail to make sure that we could safely complete the task. Once you are on the trail, you only have what you brought with you. We packed water, snacks, multiple layers of clothing including hats and gloves. We also threw in sunscreen, chapstick, and a flashlight. We thought we had it all.
Luckily, our friend proved to be an even better preparer. Even with gloves on, the wind on the mountain was biting. We were all grateful that he had enough hand warmers for everyone to clutch as we trudged up the mountain.
The scout
The scout was often running ahead and checking the terrain. They would take the lead and at times go well ahead, but always came back to let the rest of the team know what to expect around the next bend or wait for others to catch up. They help to chart the best route, finding the loose rocks to avoid.
The tracker
How much farther to the goal? Thanks to the tracker, we always knew where we were, how much we had already accomplished, and how much farther to reach the goal. Measuring our progress kept us motivated to press on, especially when the end was in clear sight.
The cheerleader
Many elements are working against you on the trail. If you are not used to the altitude, it can slow you down or even turn you around before the top. If you are not feeling 100%, the terrain and air will magnify your symptoms.
During the hike, we kept each other motivated. Every group that we passed or that passed us had their own cheerleaders pushing their own members and sometimes strangers to keep going.
The clean up crew
Everyone takes on a 14er at their own pace. There was no way we were going to leave anyone behind. We had committed as a team, and we were going to get there together. When bringing up the rear, they could easily make sure that no one was left behind. When up front, they still kept an ear out for each and every voice on the team behind them.
The sherpa
There were times when some of us had to lighten the load for others so that they could get through a rough patch. Carrying someone else’s pack let them focus temporarily on a specific challenge.
How will we tackle the next challenge?
As a team! We will put people with a variety of skills and talents on the team so that we can fill the right role at the right time.
What is your next big vision and goal?
What key team members will you bring with you to make that success a reality?