Case Study / Extreme expedition

The Ultimate Challenge: Under Pressure

How we worked together

Diagnostics:

A semi structured interview coupled with discussion of feedback from the ‘bright’ (Hogan Personality Inventory™) and ‘dark’ side (Hogan Development Survey™) personality profiles. Reading up on the research into psychological effects of this type of extreme environment.

Objectives:

To effectively managing their different relationships: as a team, as a couple and as individuals.

Coaching:

The sessions before the expedition focused on working with the clients to think through potential ‘what if’ scenarios

During the expedition the sessions were limited to 5-10 minute satellite phone calls and focused on:

• Distraction techniques for managing loneliness and isolation (days of strong winds, zero visibility)
• Managing frustration and impatience
• Refocusing on goals, motivation and strengths
• Communicating and sharing ideas, open questions and listening

Outcome:

The expedition successfully travelled across the ice cap for 30 days making good progress towards their goal, in challenging conditions yet still within their physical capabilities, they are the fastest to the Fella Recchart Cerro Mayo section (75% of the distance) where their tent was destroyed and they made the decision that descending the Spegazzini Glacier was their best exit strategy. They have now committed to returning in 2010 with an adapted strategy of 'Fitter, Fatter and Faster'.

See for the full Hogan case study or see article published in Coaching at Work (vol 5 issue 1).