What I learned trekking the Kokoda Track
The Kokoda Track, winding through the rugged terrain of Papua New Guinea, is more than just a historical trail; it’s a journey of endurance, resilience, and camaraderie. This roughly 100 kilometre trek is a testament to the strength and heroism of the Australia soldiers who fought there in World War II. Trekking it also provides lessons in teamwork and leadership that can be applied far beyond the jungles of the Owen Stanley Range.
I had the opportunity to trek Kokoda a month ago with two friends (and a bunch of new ones) and I wanted to share my observations about how this challenging journey offers invaluable insights into the dynamics of effective teamwork and the essence of leadership.
The Power of Preparation
Success begins long before the journey starts.
Trekking the Kokoda Track requires a lot of preparation. From physical conditioning to buying the right gear and understanding the historical significance of the trail, every aspect of preparation is crucial. You learn this lesson within the first day or two of the trek and if you’re under prepared, you learn quicky.
This lesson translates directly into both teamwork and leadership. A well-prepared team is more likely to succeed, and a leader who prioritises planning can guide their team through even the most daunting challenges. Preparation fosters confidence, reduces uncertainty, and builds a solid foundation for success.
Adaptability
Flexibility is key to overcoming obstacles.
The Kokoda Track is notorious for its unpredictable weather and challenging terrain. We were extremely lucky with the weather; however, we knew we might need to adapt to sudden downpours, slippery and muddy paths, and steep climbs (of which there were many). At times, our itinerary changed which meant a longer trek and more creek crossings than were anticipated. I would be lying if I said that these challenges were not at times frustration; of course they were, but being able to adapt and get on with it reduces the associated stress.
In the context of teamwork and leadership, adaptability is essential. Leaders must remain flexible and open to new strategies, while team members need to support each other in navigating unforeseen challenges. An adaptable team is resilient, able to pivot and find solutions even when circumstances change rapidly.
The Importance of Communication
Clear, open communication is the backbone of effective teamwork.
Communication was key. Whether it’s coordinating the groups movement, sharing information about the terrain, or providing encouragement to someone who is having a tough day on the track, effective communication ensures the team remains cohesive and informed. Any communication needs to be accurate.
This principle is fundamental in any team setting. Leaders must communicate their vision clearly, and team members must feel safe to voice their thoughts and concerns. Open lines of communication build trust, prevent misunderstandings, and ensure everyone is aligned towards a common goal.
Trust and Reliance on Each Other
Trust is the glue that holds a team together.
The Kokoda Track demands mutual reliance. There is no room for ego. Each team member’s well-being can depend on the support of others, whether through sharing supplies (including sharing your lolly snakes when someone runs out), offering a helping hand on a difficult part of the climb, or providing emotional encouragement.
In leadership and teamwork, trust is paramount. Leaders must trust their team to execute tasks, and team members must trust their leader’s decisions. Building a culture of trust encourages collaboration, fosters a positive environment, and enhances overall performance. There was no time at all that I lost trust in our trek leader or my trek mates (although I still maintain one was hoarding their lollies).
Leading by Example
Effective leaders inspire through their actions.
On the track, leaders emerge naturally. Those who lead by example, showing determination, resilience, and a positive attitude, inspire others to push beyond their limits. This is a core tenet of effective leadership. Leaders who demonstrate the behaviours and attitudes they wish to see in their team set a powerful example. Leading by example fosters respect, motivates team members, and creates a strong, cohesive unit.
The Value of Diverse Strengths
A team’s strength lies in its diversity.
Each individual in our group brought unique strengths and perspectives. In our trek group, some were inspiring with their fitness, while others provided humour, distractions and emotional support or physical help. Recognising and leveraging these diverse strengths is crucial for success. In any team, diversity brings a wealth of skills and ideas. Leaders who value and utilise the diverse talents of their team can tackle challenges more effectively and foster an inclusive, innovative environment. I’m a natural introvert but in a group of ten strangers, I have never felt so at home.
Embracing the Journey, Not Just the Destination
The process is as important as the outcome.
You could be forgiven for thinking that the jungle all looked the same, but each village, monument, memorial, and in some cases, ravines and creeks all offered new and interesting information about the track itself, the devastating but also heroic history of the track and it all served to enhance the journey.
Our trek leader said this almost every day: Enjoy the journey, you’ll get to the end. While reaching the end of the Kokoda Track is a significant achievement, the experiences and lessons learned along the way are equally valuable.
In leadership and teamwork, focusing solely on the end goal can overlook the importance of the journey. Embracing the process encourages continuous learning, personal growth, and team development. It fosters a culture of reflection and improvement, ensuring that successes and failures alike contribute to future achievements.
Supporting Each Other’s Well-being
A team’s success depends on the well-being of its members.
The physical and emotional demands of the Kokoda Track highlight the importance of supporting each other’s well-being. Ensuring that everyone is physically fit, emotionally resilient, and motivated is crucial for the team’s success. Everyone has to finish the trek!
In a leadership context, prioritising the well-being of team members is essential. Leaders who show empathy, provide support, and address the needs of their team create a positive, productive environment where individuals can thrive. And overall, your team needs to feel safe.
Reflecting on Experiences
Reflection is key to personal and team growth.
Completing the Kokoda Track offers an opportunity for reflection. Reflecting on the experiences, challenges, and lessons learned helps individuals and teams grow. This principle is equally important in leadership and teamwork. Regular reflection allows teams to assess their performance, recognise achievements, and identify areas for improvement. It fosters a culture of continuous learning and development, driving long-term success.
On the trek, they talk about becoming trek fit. In the first two days or so, you are usually still learning about camp life, sorting out what you do need to carry through the day and so on. By about day three you have established a routine by reflecting on what worked in the first two days, and what didn’t and that comes from your own reflecting but learning from others in the group. This sets up the rest of the trek for success.
I also had the opportunity to reflect and reprioritise what was important both in my work life but also my personal life and set myself some goals for the future off the back of my achievements on the trek.
Final thoughts
Trekking the Kokoda Track is more than a physical challenge; it’s a learning journey that offers rich lessons in teamwork and leadership. From the importance of preparation and adaptability to the power of communication and trust, the principles learned on this trek are invaluable. Whether in the corporate world, community projects, or personal endeavours, the insights gained from the Kokoda Track can guide individuals and teams toward achieving their goals with resilience, unity, and purpose.
Embracing these lessons can lead to more effective leadership, stronger teams, and a greater appreciation for the journey toward success.
I highly recommend it or something similar to anyone.
