Chains rattled in the brisk wind as I pulled my body to the next level; my chest tightening as the elevation increased.  My palms perspire and my legs quiver as I look behind at my steps.  I see the thousands of stairs below, the mountains peaking through the fog, and the millions of steps ahead.  I was on Mount Huashan, China, the deadliest hike in the world.  I planned and mentally prepared myself for this… “I am ready for this, I am going to conquer this mountain.” Despite this  determined voice in my head, nothing could fully equip me for the image that I was experiencing; it was real. 

I looked around my surroundings as I reached the north side. People were scattered around the peak, resembling an ant colony shuffling to complete their tasks. I noticed the diversity; different ages, skin color, adults wearing business attire while others resembling Sherpas carrying twice their body weight on their backs. It was the most bizarre scene I had ever seen. In that very moment, I realized that I would never have a feeling like this again. I could never replicate my sense of adventure, fuzziness that was buzzing in my head, and heat on the tips of my fingers. I live a different life, a very different life. However, there is something so unique but similar in everyone:  C O U R A G E.

The pillar that stands tall in my life is courage. I believe it does in everyone, although you may not yet be aware of it. There is a secret ingredient in each person on this world that will make people curious and inch closer to the edge. It is what keeps them up at night and sparks a passion in their soul. Some days it is dull, but sometimes it is strong enough to spark a forest fire. I believe when a person finds their niche they will indeed need the courage to share their passion and vision with the world. The Engler community has offered this experience for me. I have found an inclusive environment that has provided a standard that is tall enough for me to strive for but still see.

When I look back, I wonder what it would be like if I hadn't taken that risk or dipped my toes in the water. One thing I know for sure, I have never regretted pursuing what I believe in my heart is worth pursuing, despite other people's opinions. Courage takes faith and perseverance. I know it's worth the persecution, ridicule, and....the view.

What does it mean to partner?

How would you describe partnership?

We have many definitions today for the concept of partnership, but when I ask myself this question I think of a story Jesus told over 2,000 years ago.

There was a Jewish man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho and he was blindsided by an attack from bandits.  They beat him, stripped him of his clothing and dignity and left him for dead on the side of the road. I imagine he laid there in excruciating pain and despair waiting to die, knowing that his family and friends would be left to fend for themselves.  A priest and another man both came down the road at different times throughout the day.  I can only imagine the joy that abounded in the man’s heart when he saw them, hoping desperately they might stop.  Only to watch them move to the other side of the road and pass quickly by, eyes focused straight ahead.  Sometime later a Samaritan man came down the road, he stopped and diligently bound the Jewish man’s wounds and poured oil and wine over them; he loaded the Jewish man onto his donkey and took him to an inn.  When they arrived he found the man a room and paid the innkeeper for the room and told him; “Take care of him, and whatever more you spend I will pay for when I return.”

The Samaritan gave graciously of his time, energy and money – how different might the outcome have been if it hadn’t been for his compassion? The life of an entrepreneur is one full of risks, dangerous moments, lonely places, big wins and big losses and we find ourselves lying on the side of the road in deep need of help at times.  In the Engler program we believe in the Samaritan man.  We believe in pulling one another up from the side of the road and moving forward together. As a member of this program I can’t imagine how different my path might have been if it weren’t for the incredible partners I have been surrounded by here.

This is partnership and this is the Engler Program.

Entrepreneurship is not an individual event despite the fact that it is often portrayed as the modern version of the American cowboy where stoic independence reigns supreme. As it turns out the culture of the cowboy and the entrepreneur is decidedly team oriented. Teams are at the heart of successful organizations and especially those who are able to sustain high levels of performance – business, education, community, family, faith, and yes athletics. Underpinning the most effective teams is a spirit of deep commitment to personal excellence by each and every member. What defines the ultimate impact of a commitment to personal excellence is whether or not the individuals comprising a team use the energy created by the pursuit of exceptional performance selfishly or in service to others. .

I recently finished the most powerful book I have ever read about teamwork – The Hard Hat by Jon Gordon. The story lead me to reflect on the attributes of great teammates across all kinds of situations and circumstances. My assessment of the great teams with whom I have been associated directly or have studied from afar is that they share a set of common philosophical themes and behaviors:

• “Leave it better than you found it” is a philosophy that drives team oriented behavior. High performance team members claim ownership and take action to lead and generate outcomes that improve the organization. When ownership drives decision making then people take the extra steps and take on work that is behind the scenes, often unrecognized and usually unglamorous.
• An attitude of humility coupled with a hunger for excellence is a force multiplier and allows teams of lesser individual talent to dominate their more talented but arrogant competitors.
• Holding others accountable is impossible without personal accountability. Great teams are comprised of people who hold themselves to high standards of performance and who refuse to play the blame game, to make excuses, or to take a short-sighted approach. At the same time they hold each other to high expectations because a high level of trust is in place.
• Communication, connections, and compassion are ever present.
• The one percent rule is deeply ingrained (work to get 1 percent better in critical areas each and every day). It is the unrelenting dedication to this principle that moves human beings and teams towards their true potential.
• They do more than attract talent – they attract the right talent – people who are truly aligned with the core values, mission and culture of the team.
• Each member of the team strives to grow their skills, competitiveness, and to serve their teammates in pursuit of a common goal.
• They never shy from the opportunity to take action in pursuit of creating impactful relationships. More often than not; their behavior originates from a desire to see the team succeed.

The success of the Engler enterprise rests on one fundamental question that must be answered by each and every Engler Entrepreneur – what kind of teammate are you and what steps will you take to earn the confidence and trust of your team?