Colombia: Management lessons from survival of kids in Amazon forest

The Amazon rain forest is regarded as one of the world’s last great frontiers, full of mystery and danger. It is a place of adventure, but it can quickly become a place of danger, even for the most seasoned explorers. But this is not the case for four children from Colombia. They survived for 40 days (about 1 and a half months) in the Amazonian jungle with nothing but their wits and survival skills, providing valuable insights for management students worldwide. 

On May 1, 2023, four Colombian siblings aged 13, 9, 4, and 11 months survived for 40 days in the Amazon rain forest after their plane crashed. The children were traveling with their mother from the Amazonian village of Araracuara to San José del Guaviare when the plane went down. The mother was killed in the crash, but the children managed to survive by eating fariña, or cassava flour, and by using their knowledge of the rain forest’s fruits. 

Management lesson for all! 

The children’s survival is a remarkable story of resilience and determination. It is also a story that has lessons for management students. Here are three things that management students can learn from the children’s survival: 

1. Leadership is not about being the oldest or the most experienced 

Lesly was only 11 years old when she protected her younger siblings in the horrendous Amazon jungle for 40 days. She had no formal training in leadership, but she was able to step up and take charge because there were no other options following their mother’s death after four days of plane crash. 

As a management student, it’s important to remember that leadership is not about having a title or a position of authority. It’s about being able to inspire and motivate others in critical situations to achieve a common goal. 

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2. Teamwork is essential for success 

Lesly could not have survived in the Amazon jungle without the help of his younger siblings. They cooperated with her full heartedly to find food and water, build shelter, and protect themselves from danger. 

In the workplace, teamwork is also essential for success. No one person can do everything, and everyone has something to contribute. As a management student, it’s important to learn how to build and lead effective teams. 

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3. Resilience is key to overcoming challenges 

The four children faced many challenges during their 40 days in the Amazon jungle. They were hungry, thirsty, and scared. They were also exposed to the elements and to dangerous animals. But through it all, they never gave up hope. They kept going, day after day, until they were finally rescued. 

In the workplace, we will all face challenges. But if we are resilient, we can overcome them and achieve our goals. 

4. Problem-solving and critical thinking 

In their dire circumstances, the children faced numerous challenges that required quick thinking and problem-solving skills. Lesly demonstrated exceptional critical thinking abilities by analyzing the situation, identifying available resources, and devising strategies to utilize them effectively. For instance, she relied on her knowledge of the local environment to find edible fruits and plants, ensuring their sustenance during their time in the jungle. 

In addition to the four lessons mentioned above, there are a few other things that management students can learn from the children’s story. For example, the children were able to survive because they were resourceful and adaptable. They were able to find food and water in a hostile environment, and they were able to make changes to their plans as needed. These are all qualities that are important for managers in today’s ever-changing business world. 

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Conclusion 

The incredible survival story of the four children in the Amazon serves as a powerful lesson for management students, offering valuable insights into leadership qualities and skills. Lesly, the eldest sibling, exemplified exceptional leadership attributes, including resourcefulness, adaptability, problem-solving, resilience, and effective communication. Her ability to inspire, guide, and unite his siblings through their harrowing experience is a testament to the strength of leadership in challenging circumstances. 

In sum, the survival story of the four Colombian children is an inspiring one. It shows us that even in the most difficult of circumstances, it is possible to survive and thrive. As management students, we can learn a lot from these young heroes.