It’s been nearly 30 years since I attended Hurricane Island Outward Bound School - but in many ways it seems like it was just yesterday. My Outward Bound experience came at a critical time in my life and career – and it was definitely a turning point in understanding my capabilities, reaching my potential and providing the foundation to become the leader that fueled my career success from that point on.
Not a day goes by that I don’t draw on some aspect of my Outward Bound experience to support my success. When we leave our Outward Bound experience we are excited, energized and inspired by what we have learned and experienced. Many of us make a personal commitment to keep the spirit of Outward Bound alive – to reflect on what we have leaned about our capabilities and potential – and apply it to our daily lives.
Great intentions, challenging to achieve.
I am fortunate to have my own career and leadership consulting practice, helping new corporate leaders build their own leadership skills, with an emphasis on the Outward Bound principles of commitment, perseverance and personal accountability. Regardless of where you work or what position you hold, you can successfully translate your Outward Bound experience to your work life and career. Here are some steps to consider:
- Reflect back on some aspect of your course experience – whether it’s recent or years ago – when you experienced a personal breakthrough, a sense of achievement and accomplishment. For me it was conquering the ropes course and the sense of elation that I could do anything! How can you recreate that approach and sense of accomplishment in your daily work challenges?
- Think of one of the team exercises you participated in…what did you learn from that experience? Did you play a leadership role with the group? What are the similarities with team situations in your workplace?
- If you kept a journal (and still have it), review what you captured there for insights into how you handled challenging situations, how you overcame fears and doubts about your abilities? What are the lessons learned for your challenges in the workplace?
- Finally, keep a symbol of your Outward Bound experience in your workplace. It could be a memento, photo or some phrasing that helps recall the essence of your course experience. I still have the photo of my Hurricane Island watch group in my office - right next to my finishing photo of my first Ironman race. They help remind me of my potential, and keep me focused when challenges cause me to doubt myself.
The same principles that create the foundation for all of our Outward Bound experiences can continue to serve and support us in our personal and professional lives. Be conscious of what you learned, remember the passion you felt when you left your course, and keep the ideas of commitment, perseverance and personal accountably as the thread that continuously connects you to Outward Bound.
Bobbie LaPorte, an alumnus of the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School, is the President of RAL & Associates, a career and leadership consulting firm based in San Francisco. Bobbie can be reached at www.bobbielaporte.com.