The essence of community is relationships. Whether it is a community of friends, co-workers, or between two partners. A community is composed of relationships held together by a glue of common vision and passion. While this concept may seem simple, there is a layer of complexity involved due to the dynamics innate in individuals.

Many of you know I am an avid climber, so with that I continue the theme of wisdom found in climbing, but applicable to life, community, and business. I have to admit this week’s set of wisdom was inspired by a conversation I had with a very talented climber and good friend.

The ultimate climbing experience, argued by many, is that of traditional climbing-which is known for short as “trad climbing”. Trad climbing is the act of climbing a route and leaving that route the same as you found through placing and then removing your own gear. Traditional climbing’s counter part is known as sport climbing, which uses permanent bolts placed in the rock for protection. The beauty and complexity of trad climbing is found in balancing the many components that come into play. You don’t have to worry just about climbing, but also carrying the gear, placing it, your partner’s alertness, and of course, reserving enough energy to finish the route.

My wiser counterpart is an experienced trad climber and in a recent conversation presented me-a newbie-some very philosophical advice. His advice fundamentally hits on the notion of partnerships and teams. Everyday we experience the obstacles that arise when having to work with another to accomplish a common goal. It is often not in the static tasks, but rather the dynamic nature of humans that present the most challenges.

I encourage you to search and find how these principles are applicable to building culture and strength both in an online community and off-line community, like your company’s team.

Don’t go tradin’ with anyone you don’t trust.
Due to the complexity of trad climbing it is vital to choose a partner you can trust completely. Your life could very well be in their hands depending on what happens during the climb. If you are questioning your trust for them, you end up wasting energy distracted by worry and not on the activity at hand. This kind of trust can be a serious challenge to bring to any kind of team environment. Trust requires some level of risk, but at the end of the day it is this kind of complete trust that can lead climbers to a summit and businesses to legendary success.


It is better to be afraid around people who will understand.
This was probably the most transformative statement my friend made about finding a climbing partner. When you are venturing into the unknown or staring at an impossible challenge, it is likely you may experience phases of fear and vulnerability. When you can share that burden and feel comfortable to expose yourself, it allows great relief and inspires confidence. One of the most powerful forces of community is in the notion that you aren’t alone; someone else ‘gets’ it. Gathering with people you can be authentic with presents an opportunity to know yourself in a more complete way. Teams, partners, and businesses experience cycles of good and bad-if you aren’t able to make it through the bad by communication and honesty you have nothing in the end.


Don’t lead jack for a while, just follow.
This doesn’t mean to sit and wait, but rather to have humbleness and pay respect to what you do not know. If you are smart climber you seek out experienced individuals who can provide mentorship in the learning process. Trad climbing is just not something you should take lightly, based on the risk—death. By following you are able to explore and understand in a more protected environment. That said, general communities can and need to function in the same way. There are “elders” in all groups and those less experienced need to feel comfortable just following and embrace the idea of apprenticeship and learning. I think often initiative and leadership is solely identified with doing on your own. I think there is an error in this thinking—being a leader starts with learning.


Learn to be unselfish and manage your expectations.
Climbing with a partner can become a delicate tight rope walk between what you want and what they want. While you may have a common end vision, it is certain that you could experience a different set of opinions on the ‘how’. This is were learning to act unselfishly and managing your own expectations can help reduce the amount of friction or animosity that might flare up between partners. Communication and maturity can be key players in acting as a unit every step of the way. Having the openness to hear one another and maturity to acknowledge expertise can bring your project to the next level. Often people shut down communication during times of stress or friction-this is the exact time you need it the most.


It is easy to just want to tend to your own project-but it’s always fulfilling to support others in accomplishing theirs.
This principle is very much tied to learning to be unselfish. Working within a team setting requires some level of sacrifice. We all have experienced this at one time or another. You want your project to get priority, but know it is better for the company to proceed with another. You want to see a movie, but your spouse has their heart set on an art gallery opening. Become an individual who finds the joy in others happiness and success. This kind of action builds incredible trust and depth to our relationships within any community.