Dwight's Achievers - Observing Leadership, Up Close And Personal

Posted on January 25th, 2012

Written by Dwight Smith, CEO/Founder Sophisticated Systems (SSI).  See Contributing Authors for a more detailed explanation.

Along with several close friends, I was blessed to climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa at 19,340 feet. We began the trek under the guidance of one outstanding leader, a gentleman simply known to all as Bernard.

Bernard, age 35, has been a guide on Kilimanjaro for ten years. During our adventure Bernard lead from the front, back and middle – in his role as the Head Guide, he served as coach, counselor, physician, motivator, nutritionist, and much more.

For nine days Bernard was literally and figuratively responsible for nine lives during an intense and unpredictable adventure. Challenge “Number One” was being attentive to each member of the group; individuals from around the globe, all with very different personalities and physical abilities, some meeting for the first time, all highly driven (some competitors and some high achievers), with a personal objective of making it to the summit (focused on individual achievement versus a team effort).

So the question is - What was most impressive about Bernard’s leadership?

1. Bernard was completely and totally committed to everything that was important – safety, the mission, his clients, his team, etc.
2. Bernard, as great leaders do, was able to connect with each individual and the group as a whole.  He established common ground with each person. He gave, and in return, received respect and gratitude from everyone.
3. Bernard engaged his team. He provided opportunities for his three support guides to develop and demonstrate their abilities to lead.
4. Bernard was an awesome communicator. He communicated constantly in an open and honest manner….You always knew EXACTLY the information that was required.
5. Bernard was a tremendous coach; daily coaching nine people with different personalities and needs to reach deep within themselves for “newly found” strength.
6. Bernard was an effective problem solver. Given the magnitude of the challenge, problems did arise. Bernard’s ability to anticipate, observe and proactively address issues were reflected in both his style and grace as a leader.

I shared with Bernard during our trip that I suspected that he viewed his primary role as getting everyone safely to the summit and back. He quickly agreed with my assessment. I then shared with Bernard that I believed that his role was much more significant and in fact, he was in the “life changing” business. 

I can speak from personal experience that Kilimanjaro is a life changer --- an experience that was SIGNIFICANTLY enhanced by being fortunate to interact with a tremendous leader and my new friend, Bernard a true “high” achiever.