Are Experiences about Self or Sacrifice?
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A recent study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that people who sought the challenge of climbing Mount Everest were less motivated by feelings of camaraderie and community spirit and more by an individualistic and competitive ethos. This led to climbers jostling for front position, competing using money and personal accomplishments and wanting to claim a position of status by being 'the first' of a particular group to achieve the greatest height.
Not surprising perhaps when consumers are willing to pay upwards of $50,000 (U.S) for the privilege. The authors concluded that when extraordinary experiences are brought into the marketplace, feelings of camaraderie can be destroyed, leaving the notion that 'I, the climber, am the only one who matters'.
Certainly this is not what one might expect from an effort which relies so heavily on other team members. I am currently reading Australian Lincoln Hall's book 'White Limbo' where he graphically describes his experiences on Everest after being left for dead just below the summit. He survives but not without relying entirely on his comrades who sacrifice their own chance at summit glory to bring him safely down the mountain. His rescuer Dan Mazur reflected on his decision saying "The summit is still there and we can go back. Lincoln only has one life."
Is it the experience therefore which determines whether 'It's all about me' or 'We are in this together' or is it the individual and his/her reasons for participating in the experience? I'd suggest that any extraordinary experience can be about both.
The current Queensland flood situation is demonstrating this daily. Living in Toowoomba and witnessing the damage which has occurred is an extraordinary experience. So too hearing about the bravery which many people have exhibited to save others. Yet there are people who are looting homes and business because they see this experience as being 'an opportunity for me' and not about collective community need.
Extraordinary experiences have the potential to bring out the best and worst in people. If your project is sold as an experience not to be missed, you will attract those who are in it for the glory and those who are in it for the opportunity to be part of the team that did something fabulous. The challenge is in managing both so they can learn from each other.
I think that the value and learning that is gained by participating in extraordinary experiences far outweighs the reality that some people will use the opportunity as a selfish pursuit. Set up your project boundaries clearly at the outset so that everyone knows what is expected of them at a personal and team level. At some point, the egos will find that they need the back up from the team and the team then can make the decision whether to go back for them or leave them to their 'glory' on the side of the mountain. Either way, its a lesson for both groups about the power of choice.
What's your experience?
Irene
Ref: University of Chicago Press Journals (2010, December 22). Climbing Mount Everest: Noble adventure or selfish pursuit? ScienceDaily. Retrieved January 9, 2011 from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/12/101222112241.htm
