Chris Bonington, Famous Mountaineer Speaks of K2 Tragedy

In the upcoming months I will be mixing stories of adventure, survival and sports in with thoughts on leadership and overcoming mental obstacles…to start off I thought this story was relevant. Background on this video is that on Friday August 8th an ice fall swept a number of climbers down the mountain. According to Munir Ahmed, Associated Press Writer, the party initially consisted of 30 Mountaineers. News on the tragedy is still surfacing around the web.

more about “Chris Bonnington, Famous Mountaineer …“, posted with vodpod

 

 

 

Let’s start off with a “gift”…Leadership Wallpaper

In searching for relavent content for the site I came across several fantastic leadership blogs, if you have the time I’d highly recommend checking them out:

www.slackermanager.com

www.leadershipnow.com/leadingblog

In checking out these sites I came across some inspiring historical leadership wallpapers (on leadershipnow) and figured I would share them with you.  Hope you enjoy!

The Winged Spur Legend

 

According to Scottish Lore the Johnstone Clan (of which I am a proud member) adopted the Winged Spur as its family crest.  According to Russell C. Honey’s book, The Gentle Johnston/es, The Story of the Johnston/e Family…in the year 1307 King Edward of England sent an ultimatum to King John Baliol of the Scottish Clans in effect ordering the Scots to acknowledge England as the ruler of all Great Britain.  The Scots would not come under English authority and King Edward mobilized troops to take the northern country by force. 

King Balliol had just returned from the hunt, and was dismounting from his horse when he got this message. He had to alert his military leader, Robert Bruce (believed to be a Johnston ancestor), in order to ready the armies in time for the coming battle. To carry this important message he chose one of his aids, a man of the Johnston clan. He did not want to write the message on account of English spies, so he picked up a pair of grouse wings (a bird known for swiftness) and tied them to his own spur (a traditional symbol of battle). When Balliol asked if the Johnston was ready to deliver it, his response was, “Ready, aye ready.”The Johnston rode all night long, arriving at the encampment at dawn. He delivered the “message” to Bruce with out a word. Bruce immediately recognized the significance of the spur and attached wings; “Swiftly prepare for battle”. With the message delivered, Bruce was able to call together his armies, and save the independence of Scotland.

Later, when Bruce became the King of Scotland, he rewarded the Johnston by conferring knighthood upon him. This is the “Paul Revere” story of Scotland, and probably the most noted of all the family lore. It was certainly fitting that the golden Winged Spur became the crest for the Johnston armor. The Johnston’s response to the King became the Johnston clan motto, Nunquam Non Paratus or Never Unprepared.

 In terms of this blog the imagery of the winged spur symbolizes the act of sparking new thought in order for individuals to break down mental barriers, focus on new horizons and reach higher goals.  May the posts contained here serve you well as you face your daily battles.