The WHY of resilience...

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The L&H 2016 class began with one simple question - Why are you hear? Some climbers articulated and discovered clarity, others contemplated, while others were provocatively haunted by the greater meaning of passion, perseverance, commitment, and courage. The question and experiential journey was complex, difficult, painful, tearful, yet hopeful, beautiful, and purifying. Student climbers have returned with volumes of stories, learning, and implications that stretch far beyond the mountain. Implications were revealed and relate directly to their higher sense of purpose in life, a renewed understanding and practice of leadership, and infinite implications for organizational strategy, team development, and organizations. The mountains have taught us much, as they have historically for others. The wilderness impacts, clarifies, and refines the mind, body, and spirit. 

Our last night on the mountain, students were asked to think about what they brought to the mountain, what they left on the mountain, and what they were gifted with on the mountain. This invitation was a primer to prepare in sharing what they learned about themselves from the context of this course and our shared climb. As students, what will you do with the content of this course? What are some implications of these experiences for leadership or personal life as you challenge yourself to live principles practiced on the mountain. The focus is on translating and scaffolding this transformative experience to personal & organizational life. You have license to be creative in how you capture this reflection and how you share words and images of your story. These are just some simple prompts to get you thinking about this final reflection. Please do not allow these prompts to confine who you are, but rather give you permission to blaze your own trail. 

Most importantly - Have FUN and ENJOY your story of leadership & hardiness.