At the last moment, when the bus came to pick us up and we started our four-day adventure on the Larapinta trail outside Alice Springs, there was a commotion on our phones. You can almost see the buzzing of thoughts and anxiety swarming like bees on the heads of these extraordinary leaders.
Each of them takes time out of work and family to stay here for themselves and work hard for their own leadership, not just being in it.
There is a sense of euphoria when the phone switches to airplane mode and we drive out of the mobile reception range. Be allowed to attend and immerse yourself in a desert adventure.
The core of the experience is to explore some of the spectacular trails offered by Larapinta. There are unobstructed views, secret canyons, hidden valleys, stunning geology and vegetation, and the incredible history of the gritty Alantes who have been the guardians of this extraordinary landscape for many years. .
We slept on the starry river bed. Dingo tracks show curious tourists at night. We were swimming in the cold puddle, soaking our tired feet and limbs, and panting in the cool fresh water. The soft pastel colors of the desert are everywhere, allowing the busy mind to relax and relax.
We ate very well. We talked about it. We laughed.
During this process, we have leadership hotspots, and each leader takes turns to explore their specific leadership challenges and gain insights from the team. There is enough time to connect and reflect.
This is what I discovered while talking with them. The leaders are desperate about this, and they don’t really know:
The assurance of connecting with other leaders on similar but very different journeys.
Leadership can be a lonely experience, which can cause doubts and doubts about a person’s ability, decision-making, and ability to fulfill promises.
How do we know we are doing the right thing? Did we miss any important things? If we take a stand, will we shoot ourselves in the foot? Are we really capable of pulling this down?
Every time we enter a new role, take on a new project, do something different, we are taking a risk, we are taking a new adventure, and danger may be hidden from us.
It is very reassuring to know that there are others facing similar things.
Here is what my planner participants say is the value of their experience:
“It is a deep pleasure to connect with other people at this level in such a beautiful environment.”
“I learned that there is a process for aligning people with shared visions and values, and we usually make many assumptions about it before we start a conversation.”
“I found that the important thing is not the goal, but how I complete the journey.”
“I was surprised to find that other people were so concerned about my challenge. I now have other people who can talk about my problems.
“The power of bringing people together to share and connect is so powerful.”
You can create your own adventurer tribe in the following ways:
Connect with people in your existing circles or admired on LinkedIn.
Invite them for an introductory lunch or coffee.
Tell them that you are looking for like-minded peers to share challenges and perspectives.
Gather the tribe and have a confidential conversation about the problems each of you is facing.
Leadership is not a one-person activity! It doesn’t have to be so alone.
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