Lost in the Fog or Leading the Way? The True Test of Leadership and Teamwork in the Mourne Mountains

Would you leave someone behind in the mountains? 

At the beginning of this year, I went hiking with a few hikers in the Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland. Our route spanned 20 kilometres with a total ascent of 1,460 metres. The day began with drizzle and fog making the ground wet and slippery. 🏔️🚶‍♂️🌧️

On the hike, one hiker suddenly fell behind in the fog. What would you have done in that situation? Keep going or make sure someone who struggles is safe? 🤔

Well, it didn’t seem right to leave him there alone in the middle of the mountains. So, I motivated him to keep going so we could catch up with the group together. We started running until I saw another hiker signalling the way through the fog. 🏃‍♂️⛰️ 

However, the exhausted hiker fell behind again. When a few of us noticed it, we decided that no one should be left alone under these conditions. So, we stopped, waited, and called his name until he finally caught up with us. Together, we ensured that everyone could catch up and make it back safely. 🦺🤲

This experience made me realise, that no matter if in sports or in the professional world, there will always be some who would just keep going. And there will always be a few others, who understand the importance of looking after each other because it means more than just winning the race. Those will always stand out from the crowd. ⭐ 

I also believe actions reflect your character. Your actions reveal if you're a team player or not. If you’re passive or proactive, and if you’re able to minimise risks. 🧗‍♂️

I’m thankful for the support I had on the day: for those signalling the way through the fog and those waiting for us to catch up. It helped everyone to be safe and we all had a good day. 😊

Now, who would you want to work with? Someone who leaves you behind in the mountains? Or someone who makes sure that you make it back together?