Synopses & Reviews
In 1988, Jim Hayhurst, a forty-seven year old ex-advertising executive, became the oldest member of the Canadian Expedition to Mount Everest.
The Right Mountain is the riveting story of that climb. He tells you about the life-threatening experiences that affected each member of the team. He describes the critical choices that had to be made, and the lessons that were learned as a result. But it is much more than an adventure story. It is about defining success for yourself— on your own terms— in your personal life or in your career.
The Right Mountain is inspirational. The story is dramatic. The metaphors compelling. And the messages it contains will stay with you long after the story is over.
Review
"
The Right Mountain is terrific! It is such a thought-provoking and gripping read that I simply couldn't put it down! I am certain that I will refer to it and ponder its pearls of wisdom many more times."
— A. Parasuraman, Professor and Holder of the James McLamore Chair in Marketing, University of Miami, Miami, Florida
"Last night I sat down and read your book and did not get up until I'd finished it. I was completely captivated....Thanks for sharing your story."
— Mary Hanley Rodney, London, Ontario
"Thank you for writing the book, telling your story about Everest. The Right Mountain was both inspirational and educational, but beyond that a beautiful publication, it is simply a delight to own."
— Robert McLean, Shepparton, Australia
"A book that first captures the heart and then goes on to snare the mind. The lessons go down easy, but they refuse to go away."
— H. John Greeniaus, President & CEO, Nabisco, Inc.
About the Author
Jim Hayhurst is a father of three, and a successful business executive. Under his leadership, the Hayhurst Group of Companies grew to become one of the top three advertising agencies in Canada. He was also Chairman of Outward Bound Canada. In 1987, he founded The Hayhurst Career Centre, an organization that helps people squeeze more satisfaction out of life.
In 1988, he participated in the Everest expedition that would change his life. He put together a slide show of his journey, and soon came to realize that this was much more than a travel story. He began to compare his experiences on the mountain with the challenges we all face in daily life, and found that his Everest climb was a powerful metaphor for defining success. Gradually, a valuable message took shape. He called that message The Right Mountain. Today, Jim Hayhurst presents The Right Mountain speech and slide show to businesses and organizations around the world, helping to change the lives to others.
Table of Contents
Prologue: Climb Mount Everest?
Chapter 1
The Everest Express Team Tryouts
Building a Team, a Real Team
Chapter 2
We're All in This Together
Commitment
Chapter 3
"I'm Training for Everest and Having a Little Trouble On This Hill!"
Body and Mind
Chapter 4
Stairs and Beer Versus The Fitness Institute
Everybody Is Different
Chapter 5
You Don't Just Go to Everest
Bite-Sized Pieces
Chapter 6
High-Tech Climbers and Barefoot Porters
Motivation Makes the Difference Every Time
Chapter 7
You Can't Carry a Full Pack On the First Day
Life Is Not a Macho Sport
Chapter 8
Seven Asses
Set Clear Goals and Communicate Them Clearly
Chapter 9
The Children of Nepal
Involve Others
Chapter 10
Leeches, Leeches Everywhere
Is It Going to Change the World?
Chapter 11
Crossing a Landslide-- Step...by...Step
Team Bonding
Chapter 12
In the Path of an Avalanche
Sometimes You Have to Be Lucky
Chapter 13
The Corn Woman
Keeping Perspective
Chapter 14
How Far Is Too Far?
You Can't Go Full Tilt All the Time
Chapter 15
Sometimes You Lead, Sometimes You Follow
Everyone Has a Role
Chapter 16
Jimmy's Life at Stake
Sometimes You Have to Leave Them Alone
Chapter 17
Our Only Chance to Save Jimmy
Sometimes You Have to Let Somebody Else Do It
Chapter 18
Another Hundred Pounds of Corn
Everyone Has a Load to Carry
Chapter 19
The Challenges In Front of Us
You Can Learn a Lot by Looking Back
Chapter 20
Climbing In the Clouds
When You Don't Know What to Do, Do It Slowly
Chapter 21
Sleeping On a 3,000-Foot Vertical
It Is Amazing What You Can Do
Chapter 22
Cerebral Edema Strikes Two of Our Climbers
The Laws of Nature Cannot Be Violated
Chapter 23
I Push Myself Too Far
Balance
Chapter 24
Now We Are a Real Team
You Have to Live and Work Together to Really Know Each Other
Chapter 25
Everest
Define Roles and Goals
Chapter 26
The Thrill of Being There-- At Base Camp
Don't Get Cocky-- Don't Forget the Lessons Learned
Chapter 27
Death at 17,000 Feet: Know Yourself
Know Yourself
Chapter 28
Ric Gets Pulmonary Edema
Core Values-- Vital Signposts of Life
Chapter 29
A Second Death Crystallizes the Message
The Right Mountain
Chapter 30
Final Preparations for the Climb to the Peak
Establishing Priorities
Chapter 31
I Have To Turn Back
Decision Making
Chapter 32
Jimmy Hits the Wall
Using Core Values
Chapter 33
The Team Goes On
Security and Support Systems
Chapter 34
The Final Assault
What Is the Definition of Success?
My Definition of Success...
Next Steps
Exercise I
Exercise II
Exercise III
Exercise IV
Exercise V
Thanks
Author's Note