John Kortis wrote: > If you are ever on a group paddle with a designated leader, and this > leader fails to keep control of the group, resign yourself to never > paddle with him/her again. > > The 'experienced group leaders' of this list are failing to take > responsibility for failure to maintain control. [snip] > What they are skirting > around is their own inability to lead. A true leader takes > responsibility, and blame, for the success of the group paddle. A true > leader will not let the group become a liability to itself. [snip] > > Leadership is a rare quality. If you don't poses it, you endanger the > lives of the entire group by taking a leadership position. > > Your group leader may be the nicest or the meanest SOB you ever met, but > maintaining control over any situation, or preventing it in the first > place, is what counts. Hmmmm ... John, are you trolling, or is this really how you handle informal paddling with acquaintances and/or friends? Or, are you speaking specifically to paddling trips in which you are the guide/major domo/authority over everyone else? I'm pretty sure you are not describing a trip in which no one is designated as leader -- and it sounds like you would not successfully *share* leadership. How do you feel about folks who come along who have a wealth of experience (similar to yours), and who make a judgement call which differs substantially from yours? Are they always wrong? I think Ralph Diaz' paddling groups tend to be like most club paddles: a nominal leader, but with no significant "enforcement" powers aside from his/her persuasive skills. I've been "lead" by folks who run the show with a heavy hand, and I usually do not repeat the experience. OTOH, I've also been "lead" by folks who were charming, pleasant, and inspired their charges by example. Do either of those categories fit you, John? Or, do you fit into some different category? I think I'll learn something from your response. I'm waiting ... -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************Received on Sat Apr 03 1999 - 18:12:12 PST
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