What Everest Teaches Us About Teamwork
It is Himalayan climbing season and our thoughts naturally turn to Mount Everest as our Co-Founder, Kenton Cool, is on her slopes attempting a record 20th summit.
Kenton’s ascents of Everest are undoubtedly incredibly impressive. And often, he is given all of the credit for what he has achieved. But he is quick to point out that these triumphs are not his alone – every one of his successful summits has depended on a broad network of people: Sherpas fixing ropes and carrying supplies, support crews managing logistics, weather teams guiding decisions, PTs getting him in shape and loved ones offering support from afar.
Victories are very rarely solo – teamwork and collaboration are woven into each individual’s story and today’s Virtual Coach shares the non-negotiables…
Beyond the “Star Performer”
In work and life, we tend to shine a spotlight on the person at the ‘summit’ – the one presenting the results or achieving the goal. But like an Everest climber, their success rests on many unseen contributions: colleagues that prepared the groundwork, mentors that offered guidance, teams that keep things running, all play a part. It’s a crucial shift from celebrating individuals to valuing collective effort.
Your Immediate Team Matters…
Kenton talks about ‘the brotherhood of the rope’ and how the simple act of being clipped together on a rope with his team brings collaboration into sharp focus and strengthens their shared purpose.
Like climbers roped together, our closest teammates rely on trust, communication, and shared accountability to maintain momentum. Progress depends on moving together – supporting one another when things get difficult and staying aligned to the objective.
…As Does Everyone “in the Wings”
The biggest lesson from Everest is how critical the unseen contributors are. Sherpas and support teams rarely stand on the summit, yet without them, few would get there. Kenton eulogises about the camp chefs, who prepare nutritious and delicious food to keep energy levels high. He remains in awe of the fixing and logistics teams that set the camps and open up the route. These teams remain firmly out of the limelight.
The same is true in delivery teams at sea-level:
- Operations and administrative teams
- Specialist contributors and support functions
- Friends and family behind the scenes
This support forms the invisible foundation of success.
Collaboration Is a Mindset
True teamwork goes beyond dividing tasks. It’s about humility, openness, and sharing success. About including voices that aren’t always front and centre. Understanding that progress depends on their involvement.
We’ve heard this in various forms: acceptance speeches from Olympians and film stars, feedback from fundraisers and critical illness survivors – “this gold medal / this Oscar / this cheque / this remission bell is dedicated to the whole team around me who helped me get here”.
They remind us that reaching the summit is never just about one person – it’s about everyone who made the climb possible.
So, whatever your “Everest” may be, remember you’re not climbing alone. And when you reach the top, take a moment to look around and recognise every person who helped you get there.
