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This is a combination of adventure racing through mountains, lakes and rivers, combined with learning and leadership training, all done within the context of teams and groups of teams cooperating and competing.

Apart from being demanding physically, what makes the race challenging are the team dynamics and the resulting mental and emotional strain. The physical stress only serves as a catalyst for teamwork lessons.

When everything is clicking just right, teamwork appears easy. The real test is whether you "walk the talk" when times are tough.

As I reflect on that Eco-Seagate week, I remind myself of the lessons I learnt regarding teamwork:

n Do I ask for help without fearing I would be perceived as a weakling? Team members should be confident their team-mate's intentions are good. They admit weaknesses and mistakes. And, importantly, they ask for and offer help.

n  Do I express my opinions freely, even if it means addressing wrong behaviour? The team should confront controversial topics openly. 

n  Am I afraid to fail, or commit? After debating controversial topics, the team must commit to the decision, with clear priorities.

n  Has our team made a commitment to be accountable, individually and to each other? Can we confront one another in a positive way to ensure accountability? A good team should have intense, but positive, peer pressure to perform and support each other to reach a goal.

n Am I willing to subjugate my personal goals to the team's goals? A good team rewards team success or suffers team failure. 

I would say I always answer these questions the right way. The reality is I do not always succeed. But I try. And I remind myself of the behaviour I want to exhibit. My team-mates are watching.