Re: [Paddlewise] Group Dynamics, and NOT Leaving the Slower Behind.

In a message dated 7/17/00 6:05:29 PM !!!First Boot!!!, jhawkins_at_cisco.com 
writes:

<< This is the point.  The leader, or the group consensus, need to select a 
series of regrouping points and they must be clear.  Generally you should 
have a leader at the front and a sweeper at the back.  >>

 The point that I am seeing is that their needs to be a leader.  Leader and 
group consensus are not interchangeable.
  One dynamic that I have witnessed in several training courses filled with 
professional outdoor leaders (Outward Bound Trainers, Raft Guides, WW Kayak 
Guides, etc.) is that the expressions "too many cooks spoil the stew" or "a 
snake can have only one head" prove themselves repeatedly.  I have seen 
committee decision making in emergency situations fail more often than not.  
Emergency suggests urgency.  This is when "one head" pays off. 
  A committee may plan the trip and select the route, but, they need to 
select a leader and stand behind the decisions of that leader once the 
adventure begins.  If a group chooses a leader or an individual accepts 
leadership with the attitude, " if it doesn't work out, we can change," then, 
the wrong choice has been made.  Being a leader is more than being first in 
line, it is accepting responsibility for your group.  For their health and 
welfare and the way that they treat the environment that you are traveling 
through.
  If you split into two groups, you need two leaders.

  Just my $. 02,
  Bruce McC
  WEO 
  

***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not
to be reproduced/forwarded outside PaddleWise without author's permission
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************