In the tech industry, the term “sherpa” is often used to describe a leader who provides guidance, tactical expertise, task delegation and coaching in ways that help their teammates reach a summit or goal.
Of course, the term “sherpa” originates with Tibetan mountain guides. Leaders in the tech industry can learn a lot from these bold professionals because they have exceptional skills in navigating challenging environments, building trust, adapting to changing conditions and demonstrating the power of courageous, collaborative leadership.
So, what are the real Sherpas’ keys to success? Here are five powerful lessons from experienced mountain guides that are equally effective in a business or technical setting.
Lead to Serve
Sherpas achieve success by putting the needs of others first and helping them reach their full potential.
“Growing up in a Sherpa family gave me the philosophy, confidence and wisdom to tackle issues and challenges during a trek and make sound decisions,” explained Karma Sherpa, who has guided treks and expeditions since 1995 and now serves and CEO and trek leader for Sherpa Mountain Adventures.
The Sherpa culture is known for its hospitality, generosity and desire to help others, which is why he practices the key principles of servant leadership. He also relies on a composed demeanor, thoughtful words, and active listening to guide others during a trek. Real Sherpas balance confidence with humility.
“As a leader, it’s important to enjoy yourself even in difficult situations because that gives everyone else the confidence to keep moving forward,” Karma Sherpa said. “If people are reacting emotionally to a situation up on a mountain, we pause and look deeper, rather than simply reacting to circumstances. We acknowledge both the emotion and the logic in decision making.”
Build Trust and Safety
People want to feel safe both emotionally and physically during a trek, explained Laurie Normandeau, who has been climbing the world’s highest peaks since 2004 and works as an outdoor instructor and certified guide. Whether the goal is to climb a mountain or build a technical solution, thorough preparation creates that sense of safety, engenders trust and gives the team the best chance of success.
One of your first priorities should be to get to know your team members and prepare them for the journey by giving them as much information as possible beforehand, she added. In fact, surveys show that when people face uncertainty, they often have trouble making decisions and executing tasks effectively.
“I always ask climbers about their goals prior to the journey and listen carefully to their answers,” Normandeau said. As a leader, listening to others’ views and needs ensures that they feel heard and that they have the right tools and information to anticipate issues that may arise and complete the journey.
“Throughout the journey, I’m constantly checking in with the climbers to see how they are feeling and to draw them in,” she added. Communicating regularly with honesty and passion is the key to keeping everyone aligned. The more work you put into communicating effectively, the happier your teammates will be.
“People want the opportunity to be seen and heard,” Normandeau added. To encourage participation, Sherpas often use a format similar to a daily stand-up meeting or Scrum. For example, Karma Sherpa asks hikers to share something they observed or something to be on the lookout for during their daily trek.
The best leaders treat everyone equally and give everyone an equal chance to contribute. Reaching the summit and returning safely requires a team effort and collaborative problem solving.
Learn to Be Adaptable
Sherpas are constantly facing inclement weather, obscured paths and numerous other obstacles and setbacks. The ability to lead a team in an environment where things are constantly changing requires adaptability and the ability to make tweaks and adjustments to the plan on the fly.
“In crucial moments, the team is trusting you to make the right decisions,” Normandeau said. The wisdom to make the right decisions comes from experience and adaptability.
Focus on the Experience, Not the Summit
Karma Sherpa finds that people are more likely to reach the summit when they enjoy the journey.
Focus on the steps and completing each action or task, rather than being overwhelmed by the idea of reaching the summit. The most effective leaders strive to balance vision with execution, he said.
Ultimately, the goal will be achieved if the right steps are taken, and people feel energized and excited to keep moving forward.
Keep Improving
The most important thing for a leader is to be a role model and to keep improving, refining and perfecting your skills.
A team is an investment, Karma Sherpa pointed out. By investing in yourself, you can develop new skills, gain knowledge and experience and improve your effectiveness as a leader. And a leader's effectiveness has a direct and significant impact on a team’s overall performance.
