In this blog post, we’ll explore the concept of a “sherpa” in the context of maturing and increasing leadership capacity. We’ll define what a sherpa is, make a case for the need for one, and provide practical tips on how to show up as a sherpa for others.

What is a Sherpa?

A sherpa is someone who facilitates deep and lasting growth and maturity. They do this several ways:

• A sherpa offers colliding perspectives and elevated sensemaking. A sherpa offers different ways to see yourself and/or the challenge to expand your thinking; they also help you synthesize the new data into a new mental model to meet your complex problem. 
• A sherpa models character that’s attractive. Both their values and the way they live them out leave those around them thinking “I want that.” This casts vision for what maturity can look like; and that integrity builds trust.
• A sherpa provides unconditional positive regard. There’s a paradox here that Fred Rogers describes well, “I don’t think anyone can grow unless he’s loved exactly as he is now, appreciated for what he is rather than what he will be.” This creates safety to take off ego defenses and get to reality. 

Why Do You Need a Sherpa?

We all face seasons of disorientation – when we are clear on the challenge in front of us, but we know we don’t yet have the capacity to deal with it. These are always opportunities for growth, of course. But that kind of growth occurs best in the context of a relationship with a sherpa. 

Of course, not every problem requires a sherpa. Sometimes what’s required is more of a mechanic – someone who can give you a clear path from A to B, heavy on advice. But for holistic growth as a leader, it’s imperative to have a sherpa – offering open-handed perspectives to help you level up as a leader. 

Could I Be a Sherpa?

If you’re a leader of humans in your organization, your willingness to show up as a sherpa for others could have a positive impact – on both parties! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Be a good listener. Pay attention to what others are saying (and not saying). Ask clarifying questions. Hold confidences.
• Offer your colliding perspectives. In an open-handed way, offer a different way of seeing the problem, themselves, etc. Your colliding perspective will expand their processing of the situation. 
• Engage them in elevated sensemaking. Encourage them to get up “in the balcony” and look for the patterns, name what has happened, and synthesize a new mental model for tackling their problems.
• Make every effort to see and delight in the person you are walking with. That doesn’t mean you don’t say difficult things to them; it just means you don’t lose sight of their inherent value.

Find a sherpa and be a sherpa. A sherpa can play a vital role in your vertical development journey. By providing colliding perspectives and elevated sensemaking, casting a vision for what maturity looks like, and offering unconditional positive regard, a sherpa can help you grow as a leader and reach your full potential. And showing up as a sherpa for others is one of the best ways to mature – to increase your others-awareness and selflessly offer the combination of colliding perspectives and unconditional positive regard they need to succeed. . 

To learn more, listen to this interview or team Riff. (Scroll to bottom of page)