Who's the leader?Last week four of us paddled to Bell Island at my instigation. We put in and assembled just outside the harbour. Brain asked what what heading we were going to use to paddle across. That got me to thinking after about leadership. I wondered whether I was a leader or follower.
Most group paddles I've been part of were proposed by someone else and take the form of a shared adventure. The paddle organizer becomes the paddle leader in my mind even though there's no formal decision. As long as conditions are as advertised there's no need for decision making. If conditions are contrary (worse) than forecast, then decisions have to be made. What happens then?
It becomes less of a "lead by organizer" paddle and more of shared adventure where a group decision has to be made.
Majority rule? Not possible unless the skill level of the group is known individually and is homogeneous.
Consensus? May not be possible because if there's an unknown quantity in the group they may not want to indicate their discomfort with the conditions. Consensus may be to proceed with the paddle in adverse conditions but there could be safety issues during the paddle.
Rule by most conservative? Possible if everyone in the group is honest enough to accurately assess their own skill level.
Making sure the right model is applied in the circumstances is part of the growth of a paddler, the same as learning the technical aspects of paddling.
'Leadership' is an interesting thing indeed. I think ultimately someone has to be 'leader' even if 90% of the time they say or do nothing at all and decisions are reached between the group. Come the bigger sea or higher wind, incident or accident, the buck has to stop with someone and their decision has to be final. Ultimately it's all about keeping the group together and safe.
ReplyDeleteI deal with this kind of "death by powerpoint" briefings quite a bit a work about leadership.
ReplyDeleteIMHO your right. Who ever plans it should take lead. As well if he is planning a trip he should have most COA (courses of action) researched by "what iffing" his plan to death.
As for when the leader makes the decision that it's unsafe to continue (be it condition changes, lack of skill by some paddlers within the group" ALL members of the trip should agree.
As to be a good leader you HAVE to be a good follower.
Now it the case where you decide "OK that's far enough!" and a few others decide to go on separate from the group they automatically assume leadership (and safety) for them selves.
Excellent topic.I could ramble on for hours on this lol.
Thanks
Abduk
To add lol:
ReplyDeleteTaking lead doesnt mean you cant put responsability on others in the group. Like when paddling with a large group you could assign a few of the stronger members to do tasks.
-Send one to paddle around the sides talking to people see how their doing. This will give you an idea of the pace being too much etc. Also they can assist weaker members in technique as you go along. Win Win IMHO.
-Leave a strong member or two at the rear to help stragglers and have a commanding view of the whole pack to assist where needed.
Yes indeed its an interesting and tricky subject and a few paragraphs in a blog entry doesn't do the topic justice. But, I didn't want to ramble and get into to many "what ifs". You both make excellent points.
ReplyDeleteThe ins and outs of leadership is something every paddler should be aware of and never be afraid to voice their concerns regardless of their experience compared to the group.
Tony :-)
Doug Alderson's book, "Sea Kayak Safety & Rescue" devotes a full chapter to group organization and leadership. It's well worth the read. (You can borrow mine, Tony, if you don't have the book already.)
ReplyDeleteDes & I have settled on an approach that works for us, in part because we paddle with peers, rather than leading a group of less skilled paddlers. Central to it is the Forecast Summary & Paddle Plan. This sets out where we intend to go, what we expect to encounter, where are the key choice points and where are the bail out (or get ashore) places along the way. In large measure, what happens on the water is that we apply the paddle plan. The key protocols there are to form up at choice points to decide go/no go on the next leg of the trip, plus the ability of any member of the group to "pull the plug" and send us all ashore at any time. Even you "pull the plug" foolishly, everyone would head to shore, though you may not be invited back next time. For us, this approach has worked, but that's because it has evolved to fit our circumstances and the type of paddling that we do. Having clear ideas on planning & leadership is wise for any group.