WHAT MOUNTAIN CLIMBING CAN TEACH US ABOUT BUILDING BETTER TEAMS

At Ellis Adams Group, we find leadership lessons in unexpected places—including on the side of a mountain. One of our team members, Zaylan, is a climber who recently shared a story from Mount Stuart in Cascadia. It was more than just an adventure—it was a powerful example of trust, teamwork, and what it takes to lead. Here’s what his climb taught us about building strong teams in business.

He’s a mountain climber.

He’s not climbing small hills.

He’s climbing Mount Rainier near Seattle.

To say he takes this seriously would be an understatement.

His name is Zaylan, and he’s a team member here at the Ellis Adams Group. In a recent conversation, Zaylan told me he was looking for a new climbing partner. On a climb last October, he couldn’t reach a handhold on a crucial part of the climb. His partner stretched out his hand and offered it to Zaylan as a handhold.

Zaylan decided to trust him, grabbed hold of his hand, and was pulled up to the next section of the mountain. It was then he knew he had found a new climbing partner. The guy didn’t just look out for himself—he had Zaylan’s best interest at heart.

Not only is this critical in mountain climbing, it’s crucial when you’re building a team.

1. Surround yourself with people who focus on others.

Selfish people can suck the joy and life out of any organization. Build a team that cares about each other. When someone stumbles, they step in to help and rescue.

2. Know the terrain.

Zaylan knows the mountains are rugged and dangerous, so he wants someone with him who can match the challenge. Business is tough. Leadership is hard. It takes tenacity and grit to last in the pursuit of any endeavor. As a leader, your inner circle should be composed of people with eyes wide open to the toughness of the journey. They should be aware they’re on a journey that will never have a destination. There will be setbacks, potholes, twists, and turns. Help your team endure them all.

3. Look for experience through tough times.

Zaylan wouldn’t want an inexperienced climber by his side. The risks are too high, and the stakes are too great. When hiring, look for people who have been through some stuff. When interviewing, ask about what they’ve endured and what they learned from it. People wearing rose-colored glasses are rarely helpful to a leader.

4. Learn to love the climb.

Zaylan enjoys the climb. He loves the thrill of it all. Leadership author Larry Briggs has a famous line: “You must learn to love uphill.” Business is the toughest sport. As a leader, you must embrace the uphill battle. The vision you’re building will be the hardest thing you ever try to do.

5. Be there to catch someone who falls.

Life will crush so many people. When you see a fellow entrepreneur or leader flat on their face, reach out. Offer encouragement. Be kind. Be that person who believes in someone—after all, someone once believed in you.

Bottom line: Build a team you’d want beside you on the toughest climb.

This is the essence of building better teams—just like climbing mountains, it takes trust, resilience, and the right people by your side.

Intersecting life, luxury, and leadership,

CHRIS ADAMS

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