You may have heard that 'the Devil wears Prada' but what do truly outstanding leaders wear to work?

Why the Boots?

A few friends have asked me why I chose to place these hiking boots, front and centre on the web site home page.

Here’s my explanation….

Firstly, I spent the first half of my career instructing mountaineering, so boots like these were one of the tools of my trade. Whether I’m thinking about leadership in the mountains (or leadership within organizations) the boots remind me that leadership requires genuine effort, great care and a well crafted, elegantly executed plan. You can’t just sit there in the safety of the valley and talk about the summits – you have to get out there and climb! Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with a few particularly gifted mountain guides who went out of their way to inspire genuine, whole-hearted, full-on engagement from those in their care. I also believe great leadership within organizations, pursues this exact same goal.

Secondly, I’ve met some people who think leadership centers on ‘optics’ – making sure things look right, rather than focusing on doing the right thing. I wonder if this sort of thinking would tempt some folks to choose a handsome pair of handmade Italian loafers (or gorgeous sling backs by Prada!) instead of these rather scruffy old boots. But back to my original point, you can’t climb mountains wearing dress shoes. You can either look good talking about it over cappuccinos – or focus squarely on that which is essential for success. Your leadership strategies should do the same. Great leadership requires you to encourage and inspire the very best contribution from those around you, rather than getting all hung up on making things (or yourself!) look good.

Lastly, I’ve learned that one of the unfortunate truths about even a great pair of hiking or climbing boots, is that you do need some time to ‘break them in’. I’d say too the same is true when you accept the full responsibilities of the leadership role. Some days it won’t be easy – in fact, sometimes it can be distinctly uncomfortable. There will be times when the going is tough, the terrain difficult, the conditions challenging and the path ahead steep. But if you navigate skillfully and provide those in your care with what they truly need to engage, you’ll be rewarded in direct proportion to the quality and authenticity of your effort, care, thoughtfulness and courage.

I’ve never quite worked out whether it’s the climber that breaks in the boots, or whether it’s the boots that break in the climber. Maybe it’s a little bit of both?