Leadership is often compared to a journey—one filled with obstacles, choices, and moments of triumph. But perhaps the most fitting comparison is to the sherpas of the Himalayas.
These elite guides don’t just climb mountains. They lead others safely through some of the most treacherous conditions on Earth, ensuring their followers reach the summit. The best leaders in business do the same. They chart the course, shoulder responsibility, and make decisions that can mean the difference between failure and success.
So how can we learn to lead like a sherpa? Let me share a story.
Why Sherpas Are the Ultimate Leadership Guides
During a recent international conference in Orlando, I struck up a conversation with a gentleman named Vaibhav Nahata—my first Nepali friend. He asked me to call him “Happy,” and he lived up to the name. With warmth and enthusiasm, he answered all my questions about his culture.
Before we parted, Happy gave me a gift: a traditional Nepali head covering called a dhaka topi. It was a kind gesture, but what stuck with me most was our discussion about Mt. Everest and the sherpas who make the impossible possible.
Success At High Levels: Lessons from Sherpas
Happy and I are not climbers. But like millions of people around the world, I am fascinated by those who push the limits of human endurance. Few groups embody that better than sherpas.
Originally a nomadic Tibetan ethnic group, sherpas developed an extraordinary ability to thrive in the high-altitude environment of the Himalayas. Today, they are globally recognized as the premier guides for Mt. Everest expeditions. Every year, climbers literally put their lives in the hands of sherpas as they attempt the summit.
The statistics are staggering: from 1953 through December 2024, there have been 12,884 successful Everest ascents. More than half were made possible by sherpas leading paying climbers. One man, Kami Rita Sherpa, has summited Everest 30 times—the most in history.
Clearly, sherpas don’t just survive in extreme conditions. They succeed at the highest level.
The Sherpa Job Description: A Leadership Blueprint
Consider what a sherpa is expected to do:
- Carry heavy loads of equipment, food, and oxygen.
- Set up camps and prepare meals.
- Scout dangerous terrain and chart the safest routes forward.
- Secure ropes and ladders for others to follow.
- Lead rescue operations when things go wrong.
And they do all this at nearly 29,000 feet above sea level.
That “job description” sounds familiar. In many ways, it mirrors what great leaders are called to do for their teams every day.
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5 Leadership Lessons from Sherpas
When you step back, the parallels between sherpas and effective leaders are striking. Here are five leadership lessons sherpas can teach us:
1. Navigate Change with Intention
Sherpas chart their path daily, adapting to unpredictable conditions. Leaders must do the same—adjusting plans and finding the best way forward when challenges arise.
2. Decide Under Pressure
High-altitude decisions must be made quickly and wisely. Similarly, leaders must be decisive under pressure, guiding teams through uncertainty without hesitation.
3. Perform at High Levels Without Ego
Sherpas operate in rarefied air above what most people can achieve, yet they remain humble. Strong leaders perform at a high level without becoming “light-headed” or “big-headed.”
4. Persist Through Fatigue and Setbacks
Physical exhaustion and mental stress are daily realities for sherpas. Leaders, too, must persist through setbacks, modeling resilience for their teams.
5. Shoulder Responsibility
Sherpas accept responsibility for the safety of those they guide. The best leaders embrace responsibility as well—taking ownership of their team’s mission and outcomes.
At Van Hooser Leadership, we always say leadership has been, is, and always will be about offering service to those who are following and taking action to be the best we can be. Here are 5 more powerful leadership lessons from actual sherpas.
Your Leadership Journey: Becoming a Sherpa-Style Leader
Whether you’re leading a company, a team, or even yourself, your leadership journey will include steep climbs and treacherous terrain. Like the sherpas, your role is to guide, support, and make the tough calls that help others succeed.
So ask yourself:
- What kind of leader do I want to be?
- Am I willing to shoulder responsibility, push through adversity, and serve those who follow me?
The world needs more leadership sherpas. Step up. Lead with intention. And remember—your team and your legacy depend on it.
FAQ: Sherpa Leadership Lessons
What is sherpa leadership?
Sherpa leadership is guiding others by shouldering responsibility, navigating obstacles, and ensuring team success under pressure.
Why compare leaders to sherpas?
Because sherpas embody endurance, humility, and selfless service—qualities essential to strong leadership.
How can I lead like a sherpa at work?
By making decisions under pressure, encouraging persistence, and putting the success of your team ahead of your own recognition.
