On the Edge Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Embracing Failure

Own It. Come Back with a Vengeance

In this chapter, Levine talks about how people usually define failure.  Once someone told her that she did not climb everest because she did not reach the top, even though she was only shy a few hundred feet from the summit.  She stresses not to “define success or failure in such concrete terms”. here example in this chapter is the story of Chad Kellogg.  He has been trying to beat the speed record for climbing Everest. However, each time the weather send him back when he is so close to reaching the summit.  Though he has not yet reached the top, he is still one of the best climbers in the world.  The moral of the story is to not judge a person by their success because they have also had failures that have made them stronger as well.  

She then gives a detailed account about the final hours before summiting Everest.  She talks about a picture and an article that was published in the New York Times,  She states that the picture of her standing on the top of Everest is very misleading because it doesn’t show all the people who were there every step of the way, which i thought was really great and humble.

I am glad that I had a chance to read this book.  I have learned so much about leadership.  I will now strive to use everything I learned to become a better leader, no matter the environment.

On the Edge Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Your Three Words

What’s your Mantra

In this chapter,  Levine talks about the importance of a having a credo.  Though these are usually associated with companies or teams, it is also important to have a personal one as well. “We all need a set of key words that remind us how we want to behave in our professional and personal life.”  Your credo should embody what you strive to daily and your purpose.  It also helps you structure what type of leader you want to be.  

Levine’s credo is “Count on Me”

This chapter also explains how Levine became an awesome keynote ( and I talk from experience).  One thing that stood out to me is that she had to cold call bureaus to get them to give her a chance.   This is something an entrepreneur can not be scared to do.  You can not be discouraged by no’s because like Walt Disney (and Alison Levine) learned; it only takes one yes.  

it was very inspiring to hear how Levine got to where she is today. I am sad that this next chapter is the last.

On the Edge Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Ignore the Rules

Do the Right Thing. Always.

In this chapter, Levine stress the importance not to follow rules blindly. There rw sometimes that leaders must make the decision that has the best possible outcome.  

Her example in this chapter was pretty extreme, but still got the point across. She talks about a young soldier that got an undetonated rocket powered grenade stuck in his pelvis.  Normal protocol is to get he person far away from everyone else and just leave them there to die.  Instead his team member and the medical staff decided to forget the rules and save this man’s life.  They all in te end where rewarded for their valor.  This shows how breaking the mold can have even better results.  

She gave another example of when following the rules can have bad consequences. Long story short,  an electrical company gave a fine to a small town who was trying to honor a fallen soldier by hanging american flags all over the town on the electrical poles.  They ende getting a lot of backlash from the neighborhood for the fine.  

Leaders should have the “ability to take action based on the situation at the time”

“Leaders need to make sure that the people on their teams know when to follow the rules and when to interpret them in ways that lead to better outcomes.”

On the Edge Chapter 8

Chapter 8

You’re Not Special

Building Trust and Loyalty

It is important to treat others with respect no matter what environment you are in.  the only people who can get away without doing it are people who are good at what they do. Example: Dennis Rodman

Levine talks about the importance of this, especially in extreme environment.

Once a climber’s lack of manners gave a one way ticket off the mountain.  This because leaders of this expeditions also control your permits, so they can easily be revoked if they fill you are a threat to the team.

She emphasizes the Golden Rule;  if you treat people with kindness, it will only be reciprocated.  

She also talks about how people do not trust you because you have a title.  The most successful guides are the ones that mentor and support their team rather than those who just want to collect a paycheck.  

“‘Leader’ is a mindset.”

To build trust, you have to get to know your team.  It keeps you from making wrong judgements about people.  Lastly, you need to show your team that you roll up your sleeves and work towards the common goal.   This is easy for expedition leaders.  “There is no class system in these environments.  Leaders sleep in the same type of tent as everyone else.”  Another example is Mark Zuckerberg.  He does not have some secluded office by himself, but instead has an office amongst everyone else.  

On the Edge Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Bring It

“Leaders are supposed to know what skills and equipment are needed to get a job done right or to achieve a goal. “

Levine talks about the importance of bringing the right equipment to be successful.  Her example in this chapter is when she climbed Carstensz Pyramid, the highest peak in Australia.  

Her lack of preparation almost costed her goal to climb the mountain

Mistakes

1. She forgot to bring extra hand warmers - which was important to treat her Raynaud's syndrome (fingers and toes become numb in cold temperature)
2. She did not bring an extra light bulb for headgear
3. She forgot her regular prescription glasses

You are responsible for knowing what tools are needed to be successful.  There are no excuses.    

On the Edge Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Coming up short

There always be a weak link in the group, and sometimes it could be you.

Even though you are the weakest link, you always find a way to compensate.

Compensating for a weakness can be done by leveraging attributes and innovative ways that can move you.

A good leader knows that it is their responsibility for every team members productivity.

In this chapter, Levine talks about her expedition to the South Pole as an example.

Here are some fun facts about traveling to the South Pole

1. You must consume 5000 to 6000 calories a day.

2. They have to consume entire stick of butter without bread everyday.

3.  You have to wear a lot of sunscreen because the UV rays reflect off all of the lovely white snow. If you do not, you will get terrible blisters on your face

Because of Levine's short stature and small size, she was slower than her taller teammates.

She felt terrible that she was the weakest member on the team

Luckily, she had a good leader. He offloaded some her stuff and did it in a way that she did not feel any worse than she already did.  She found a way to compensate by helping them shovel snow on to their tents every night.  

“Great leaders find unexpected ways to bring out the best in themselves and in others.”

“Most people no matter how talented, will at some point find themselves in a position where one or more of their skills don’t measure to the skills of those around them.”

Guinea Pig for a Day

Today, I volunteered to be apart of a class for a potential new teacher.  Next year's class is very lucky.