Oblivious or timid
I’ve paddled with some folks who are so absorbed in what they are doing that they often aren’t aware that others are being left behind or need help.
I doubt that they’d refuse to help if asked.
I’ve also paddled with folks who assume that somebody else will take care of any thing that needs attention. This is often a lack of confidense more than anything.
Again I doubt they’d refuse to help if asked.
I’d rather paddle with folks who keep an eye on each other and who step up without being asked.
If I’m leading this is the first and often the only thing I ask of my crew.
Looking out
It’s not so much the rescues – those are obvious. What takes more attention is seeing problems as they develop. A big one is noticing that someone is getting cold or tired well before it’s a serious problem. It can be hard for a single leader to keep track of everyone in the group in addition to the overall situation, so it really helps to have folks looking out for each other. It’s also why the best place for the leader is often at the back of the pod.
Tao
Isn’t he a White Water boy? Berman I think his last name…
sorry, bad joke, the Tao vs confusion posts gave me a head ache. I have all I can do handling H. D. Thoreau and books like Sand Country Almanac.
example
How about a leader being someone who teaches by their own example, who is a good role model?
Or is that too old fashioned?
Joanne
You Got It Sing
Leadership is quite an art that varies from being just one of the team when things are smooth, to highly directive in a crisis.
Lou
Trip leader or teacher?
Yeah a trip leader should try to set a good example.
BUT
Most trips are not classes and most trip leaders are not instructors.
One of the reasons I want trip participants looking out for each other is so that I can relax and enjoy the trip too. As a volunteer for a paddling club I sure ain’t there for the money:-)