Life lessons from base camp

Shane Mathias, General Manager of Chadwick Forklifts, has just completed one of the most challenging and difficult experiences of his life…but also one of the most rewarding.

“I was privileged to undertake the gruelling Everest Base Camp trek a few weeks ago,” said Shane.

“We navigated 70 kms over 10 days, in below freezing conditions with snow and rain, on cliff-edge terrain, gaining 5,500 metres while on a basic diet.

Without assistance, this would have been extremely difficult, however, our group of 13, along with a lead guide, three assistant guides and six porters, made it to Base Camp because we worked together as a team.”

Shane said the trek reinforced three fundamental principles for business and life.

1. Have a clear shared and wellarticulated vision/goal.

“We all knew exactly where we were going from day one and all our efforts were directed at this vision/goal,” said Shane. “Subsequent group and individual tasks become easier and more focused when we kept the end goal in mind. ”

2. Trust in your team and have respect/ patience.

“Not everything goes to plan, least of all in the timeframes we envisage,” he says. “When this happens, don’t try and take on the burden yourself. Sometimes people need time to grow into the role so focus on being supportive and nurturing. Be there to help them and, all things being equal, the reward will most certainly be realised.”

3. Have fun.

“This is especially true because if we don’t have fun and enjoy what we do, what’s the point of it all?"

Shane was full of praise for his team members, guides and porters. “Thank you for reinforcing these three lessons and I will see you on the next adventure!”

Contact Shane: shane@chadwickforklifts.com.au

AUTHOR: QUEENSLAND HRIA STATE PRESIDENT, TROY MOULDER