During a trip to Switzerland last summer with some friends from university, I realised that there was a connection between hiking and project management.
When we were planning the hike in the months beforehand and during the hike, goal setting, planning, teamwork, established communication and risk management were key components for a successful hike, and these skills were also essential for my Project Management role at Pixel Kicks.
First Thing First: Setting the Goal
Like all of the projects we work on, our hike had a clear objective: to reach the Cabane de Tracuit, a cabin situated at an altitude of 3,256 metres which we had booked for an overnight stay. The cabin is nestled above the village of Zinal in the canton of Valais. Cabane de Tracuit offers awe-inspiring panoramic views of surrounding mountains – something you’d expect to see in a James Bond film. It was amazing how far you could see across the horizon including the famous Mount Blanc.
In Project Management, setting the goal is the first and most crucial step. It provides the team with a clear vision of what they are working toward, and like any project, its success depends on the flexibility to adjust plans along the way.
The Power of Planning and Adaptability
Planning was vital for our ascend to Cabane de Tracuit, as it is for any project. We packed the essentials such as water bladders and purifying tablets. We mapped out our route, being careful to avoid certain terrain and known obstacles. Soon after mapping the route Switzerland had some of the worst floods they’ve seen in a long time and had eroded some of the trail a couple of weeks before we set off, we had to reroute from the original path.
Before setting off we needed to assess the conditions, account for unexpected changes, and acknowledge individual and group limitations. It’s much like how a Project Manager needs to evaluate the feasibility of a project, identify potential risks and create contingency plans should a problem arise.
In project management, this preparation means creating a project plan that ensures all necessary tools and resources are available to launch the project like having the correct skill set, content, development requirements, and software required to complete the web project.
Adaptability is hugely important in project management, especially in the fast-paced digital environment at Pixel Kicks. No matter how thorough the planning phase is, unexpected changes, whether they be client feedback or resource constraints, can arise.
Like our hike, where we had to take a different route to avoid an impassable path, project managers must make informed decisions to guide the team through unforeseen challenges without derailing the project.
Having a rigid plan might seem appealing in the beginning, but as we learned during our hike, sticking to a single, unchangeable path could have put us in unnecessary danger. A similar principle applies in project management. If a plan is too rigid, it can become a hindrance when circumstances change. A successful project manager, like an experienced hiker, must be adaptable and ready to modify plans based on the evolving situation.
Risk Management
Our hike was filled with potential risks and issues just like a website project at Pixel Kicks.
During our hike, we could have experienced rapidly changing weather conditions. For example, how a sunny morning could quickly transform into a windy and foggy afternoon becoming an issue meaning that we needed to turn back. This is much like a project when the risk turns into an actual issue and if that can’t be stopped then this may cause the project to be abandoned or delayed.
Another risk was running out of water. To ensure we stayed hydrated, we carried water bladders and purifying tablets, but we quickly discovered that the purifying tablets left a strong chlorine taste, making the water taste like a swimming pool. We quickly realised that it was safe to drink from the stream meaning that we could ditch the tablets and drink some great clean swiss water.
We also encountered some very protective mountain dogs which guard sheep from predators. We had some warning of this from the group of friends I was with who had encountered these before in a previous hike in France. However, we had no plan in place to avoid these apart from staying calm and collected if we did see one. Fortunately, a local farmer was nearby and guided us through the field, much like how an experienced team member can provide valuable insight when a project encounters an unfamiliar challenge.
Much like external risks like mountain dogs projects can also be impacted by external factors, such as a client going on holiday which can delay communication, or client changes to the project. The goal of a project is to deliver on time and within budget, but unexpected developments might mean the plan will need adjusting, just as in our changing environment.
In Project Management, risk management involves identifying potential pitfalls early on and establishing mitigation strategies. However, as with our hiking experience, not every risk can be foreseen. The key is to remain calm, assess the situation and take decisive action. Whether you’re managing a project or climbing a mountain, proactive risk management increases your chances of success.
Teamwork & Collaboration
The value of teamwork became increasingly clear as we continued on our hike. Each member of our group brought different skills and strengths to the journey. Some were better at navigating the tricky terrain, while others excelled in keeping morale high during tougher stretches. We relied on each other for support, much like how project teams depend on collaboration to achieve a shared goal.
At Pixel Kicks, we use a Project Management tool called Basecamp, which is a platform that facilitates communication, collaboration and information sharing among team members, clients and external stakeholders. Basecamp is used instead of having long confusing email chains and works really well.
Much like how Cabane de Tracuit served as a Basecamp for us, where after hours of hiking, it provided a place to regroup, refuel, and recalibrate before beginning our descent back down.
In Project Management, effective teamwork is about more than just dividing tasks. It’s about planning effectively, leveraging individual strengths, ensuring clear communication and fostering an environment where collaboration is prioritised.
Our hiking experience highlighted this idea as we worked together through the challenges, whether it was navigating difficult paths or dealing with fatigue. Without the collective effort of the team, reaching Cabane de Tracuit would have been much more difficult.
Appreciating the Ups & Downs
The hike to Cabane de Tracuit was not just a physical challenge, but a metaphor for Project Management. Both require setting clear objectives, thorough planning and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Risks must be identified and managed, and success is reliant on teamwork and collaboration.
In both hiking and Project Management, the journey can be as rewarding as the destination. The sense of accomplishment that comes from overcoming obstacles, adapting to new challenges, and working together as a team is invaluable.
By drawing parallels between hiking and project management, it’s clear that both involve careful planning, risk management, adaptability and strong teamwork. Whether you’re ascending a mountain or navigating a complex project at work, the key to success lies in your ability to manage the journey effectively. After all, in both hiking and project management, reaching the summit is only half the story – the real achievement comes from how you get there.
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