BIOGRAPHY
Working as a disability assistant and with no experience of climbing, Bonita decided to take on Everest. Within 18 months she had become the youngest British woman to reach the summit. She also became the youngest woman in history to reach the false summit of Mt Manaslu in the Himalayas, the world's eighth highest mountain, at 8163m.
Planning for an expedition to the South Pole in the Antarctic season, her team aim to leave from the true coast of Antarctica and ski unassisted to the Pole. This record breaking expedition to the coldest place on earth will coincide with the centenary of the South Pole first being reached.
Bonita talks about the need to take one step at a time in order to achieve your bigger goal. She also explains how demonstrating trust through delegation is the key to teamwork, and that the only resource needed to motivate people is their own imagination.
Since returning from Everest Bonita has been made an ambassador for the Global Angels Foundation.
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Q&A WITH JLA
JLA: In practical terms, what can a manager learn from a mountaineer?
BN: Trust your people, make sure that they feel the same about you and demonstrate it by delegating - building confidence and ownership within the team.
JLA: How can you re-build confidence when the situation seems hopeless?
BN: In the mountains discussion is key. We're constantly faced with problems - you have to tackle them head on, talk them through until a plan emerges and not stop until a solution is found. The key is to start with a clear goal, and understand that the boundaries of prior risk assessments have changed - your chance of failure is already higher, as are the risks you might have to take.
JLA: How can you motivate others with limited resources at your disposal?
BN: The only resource required to motivate people is their own imagination. Keep goals alive, but be realistic. Break down a big task into small projects - and inspire others with your own resolve.
JLA: How do you ensure your message has maximum impact?
KB: It's a very clear, visual message. I wasn't a climbing prodigy and I don't have an army background. The advantage I have is my own determination. Delegates can see me start off taking small steps towards the big goal, until I take those last few steps to the top of the world.
February 2011