Learning Leadership

Chapter 19Learning Leadership Must Be a Daily Habit

We had the good fortune to do a couple of workshops with Jim Whittaker, the first American to summit Mt. Everest, the earth's highest mountain. Jim also led the first team of Americans to summit K2, the second-highest mountain in the world. And he didn't just climb mountains. Among his many other outdoor adventures, twice Jim captained his sailboat in the 2,400-mile Victoria to Maui International Yacht Race and made the 20,000-mile voyage from Washington to Australia four times. Jim is also an experienced executive, spending 25 years with Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI), initially as its first full-time employee and eventually retiring as its president and chief executive officer (CEO).

After all the adventures he's had, when Jim reflects on his philosophy of life, he offers this observation: “It has nothing to do with thrill-seeking. It's about making the most of every moment, about stretching your own boundaries, about being willing to learn constantly, and putting yourself in situations where learning is possible—sometimes even critical to your survival. Being out on the edge, with everything at risk, is where you learn—and grow—the most.”¹

Jim has nailed it. The best leaders aren't doing what they're doing for the power or the fame or the thrill. They're doing what they're doing to learn and grow and make the most of what they can offer to other people, their communities, and their organizations. “Being willing to learn ...