I’m extremely fortunate to work for communications marketing firm, Edelman. Why? For many reasons but the one that I want to call out here is the time I got to spend AWAY from the office. After 15 years with the company, I was awarded with three weeks of paid leave. It was a benefit I am incredibly grateful to have received. I wanted to share some of what I learned during my “off the grid” experiences as I believe many of the lessons can be applied to business life “on the grid.”
I purposefully planned to start my leave with a backcountry wilderness experience, not because I’m obsessed with Cheryl Strayed, author of Wild and want to be exactly like her, but because I wanted to temporarily shed my work life and addiction to technology in order to get all five of my senses working to full effect. Another one of my motives was to strip away the comfort of modern conveniences to test and push myself physically and mentally. I have found that these are the learning moments, when you are most out of your comfort zone.
So for the first week of my sabbatical, I went backpacking with my 18 year old son in Yellowstone National Park to share the experience. We were accompanied by two experienced REI guides, a father and son duo from Austin, Texas and a couple in their late 50’s from Florida.
The first thing I noticed was how fresh everyone looked, still a little apprehensive but geared up and ready to go! After tromping through wet grass in the rain for several hours, the glow started to dull outwardly and inwardly. Soggy sandwiches, wet feet, a ridiculous poncho from the 80’s, we were all a bit worn and starting to really feel uncomfortable. At the same time, I could feel my senses coming to life, the simple turkey sandwich tasted amazing, I was present to converse with my son, I could hear the quiet sounds of the wilderness, and I thought and felt deeply.
Here are the valuable lessons I’m taking from the backcountry into the office:
- Preparedness can’t be underestimated. I don’t know about you, but I think I’m really good at winging it in most cases. I’ll admit there are a few exceptions, when it comes to athletics I’ll always train and when it comes to work, I will do the same. Yet, the importance of preparedness never spoke as clearly to me as it did on my backpacking trip. It rained, the tent leaked, and my son and I were soaking all night. I lost my snacks, normally no big deal but in the backcountry it became a huge deal. Nothing like soaking wet gear in the wilderness and lack of nourishment to hit you over the head with how important it is to be prepared. Don’t wing it, prepare, and it will be worth the time and investment.
- Conquering the uncomfortable is very rewarding. Not too many people that I know like to be uncomfortable. They find ways to avoid it with cushy hotels, routine, and status quo. It’s tough to be out of your comfort zone physically and mentally, it’s not for everyone, but I highly recommend it if you like adventure, to learn, and to push yourself. You’ll find out or be reminded, whether or not you’re resourceful? Are you brave? Are you inquisitive? At least once a year do something that pushes you out of your comfort zone. If you do it away from work, when you get back to work you just might be better equipped to embrace and appreciate the opportunities that uncomfortable offers.
- Good stories come from taking risks. In communications marketing, everyone prides themselves on being good storytellers. But truly great stories come from adventures, meeting new people, going to new places, talking, listening, learning, observing. Get out and travel or take a class, try something you’ve never done before. Dust off your tired soul and force yourself out there, your story repertoire will grow exponentially and you’ll have a lot of fun in the process.
I’ve always loved backpacking but thanks to Cheryl I became re-inspired to get back out there and thanks to Edelman I had the time to do it. Now it’s my job to remember all that I learned in the wilderness and put it in to practice in my everyday life!
Amy Gutmann, executive vice president, Edelman Seattle.