Walking the Kokoda Track is not just a stunning history lesson. It’s a body, mind and soul immersion into adversity, and is capable of bringing out the best in people.
Few experiences compare to walking the Kokoda Track. For Dan Clancy, Control of Work Project Lead at Viva Energy Australia, it was a lesson in overcoming physical, emotional and mental adversity, and a perfect illustration of why a sense of purpose is so important.
The prospect of the physical challenge and the spirit of Kokoda, reflected as Courage, Mateship, Endurance and Sacrifice, were all stirring reasons to walk the track. When a friend proposed that they join a Geelong-based Kokoda Tour group for a trip in June, Dan was in.
“It’s not about a comfortable ride,” Dan says. “As in life, where you make the most advances is when you are prepared to step outside your comfort zone and have a go at things.”
The epic 96km hike in Papua New Guinea is a big drawcard for Australians. Some walk to honour the Australian soldiers who fought a bitter campaign to thwart the Japanese advance during World War II. Others are drawn to the Kokoda legend of adversity and bravery. For Dan, a keen hiker, the Kokoda Track was on his bucket list.
Lessons for the workplace
Dan’s experience on the Kokoda Track flowed deeply into other parts of his life, including work where he took back plenty of lessons.
“People can surprise themselves with what they’re capable of doing when under pressure. Walking Kokoda, people would think: ‘How can I go on?’ But break things down into logical steps. Know the support is there. There’s always a way through.”
There's no ‘I’ in team
In a group aged from 21 to 71, with a broad range of fitness levels and personalities, teamwork was critical. “They all brought something different to the table. You have to acknowledge that. You have to make it work. You start by trying to see the best in people and seeing their capabilities.”
Communication is key
On Kokoda, communication and collaboration are vital. There was lots of banter on the track and Dan found it was important to listen without judgement.
“In our time-poor world, sometimes we’re only interested in the information that gets us the outcome. And I know I can be guilty of that, especially when I have a task to do.”
Instead, it’s important to use a more open style of communication and questioning, and take time to listen to the answers without imposing a solution or trying to lead, according to Dan. “I was able to do it pretty well on the track. It’s finding time on the work schedule to do it as well.”
The value of face-to-face communication is another lesson Dan brought back. “I know I’m guilty of getting caught up in email exchanges. There’s only so much that can be said in the written word. You’re missing the kinesthetic side of things – how do people react to information? How do they process it? Have you hit the mark? What do they think is important?”
Finally, Dan wants to be a positive influence on his colleagues. On Kokoda, little things like words of encouragement, or bringing someone a cup of tea at the end the day, made a big difference.
“What are the things that can actually help core optimism and growth?” he asks. “We all need to grow. We all need a place to grow. We need to find ways to push ourselves outside the comfort zone at times.
“So I guess I’m trying to create an environment where that’s part of it.”
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