Descended from Tibetan heritage, the Sherpa community are an ethnic group, indigenous to the Himalayan mountain region. But for many outside Nepal, the word "Sherpa" has become synonymous with those working as mountain guides. While on the trekking trail, the Sherpa is the expert, the leader, they have a strong knowledge of the mountains, a superior physiological make up that enables them to perform physically at altitude and are able to get the tourist mountaineers to the top of Mount Everest. Anyone who has ever climbed Everest will agree that the Sherpa’s play an essential part of success and survival.
Sherpa’s are generally humble in nature and would not consider themselves to be leaders as such. However, they have the qualities that every leader should aspire to. Providing support to their team to allow them to achieve their goals, work as hard as everyone in the background and allow the team to take the credit, have the self-awareness to realise they do not have all the answers and the ability to guide and influence people’s decisions.
While they know they have superior knowledge and abilities they do not make this obvious to the team. To lead like a Sherpa you know that you are not in control of everything, you lead by example and will pivot or take an alternate route if it is not in the best interests of the team or a team member. A leader who will do any job in the team if required, who will listen to advice and a leader who has your back and will risk their life for yours.
Perhaps the most famous Sherpa is Tenzing Norgay, a member of Edmund Hilary's team, in the 1953 successful summit. Hilary had a near-miss following a fall into a crevasse but was saved from hitting the bottom by Norgay's prompt action in securing the rope using his ice axe. This act led Hillary to consider him the climbing partner of choice for any future summit attempt. When someone risks their life to save yours, you have trust. Luckily, in the average workplace we do not have to display such intense acts of support but in order to be respected as a leader your team need to know that you have their back and are willing to put yourself in an uncomfortable position to provide the team with support.
It is the Sherpa’s role to get the team to the top of the mountain but they neither summit first nor take the glory. The Sherpa knows that it is more important to get everyone safely off the mountain than to get any accolades themselves. A Sherpa is trustworthy, has high integrity and looks out for the good of the team. Great leaders know that it is by supporting their team that they will make a difference. The title of manager doesn’t make you a leader, a leader is born from unselfish behaviour working towards the greater good and being compassionate towards others.
If you have been looking for a sign to explore the Sagarmatha (Mt Everest) National Park, this is it. My Sherpa, come husband, Gobinda, and I are leading a trekking retreat in November 2024, where you will learn first hand from the Sherpas, become culturally immersed and discover a side of yourself you never knew existed. Book your leave and then book to trek with me to Everest Base Camp and Gyoko Lakes.
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