These last few days in India have been nothing short of amazing. Going on team hikes, hikes alone, and starting the wilderness first aid has been challenging but rewarding. I believe that principle is a significant and guiding factor of this program. Through our reflections, I am beginning to see the unique role I can have on this team and the different strengths among my collogues. While a little nervous, I am excited for the next few days in the wilderness first aid course. This is my area of least expertise, but I am eager, see the value, and am willing to learn to the best of my availability.
Through the various leadership games, I understand the value of examining an environment before making any decisions. At times I was eager to find a solution, but after analyzing the situation and hearing what others thought, I was able to think of a more effective and efficient solution. It was great to hear similar sentiments from my teammates during various thoughts. With a combined effort, we can make smarter decisions during the Himalayan trek in times of crisis. In my leadership, I have always seen the value of the first follower, and taking the activities slow in a foreign country has confirmed my feelings about stepping in when I am needed to create value. For me, I do not create value by naming solutions that are not thought out or well-developed in a situational context.
Upon making a mistake, a wise leader admits it and keeps going. One cannot add value to the team or followers if they “stay down” after making a mistake. I was once told that “practice does not make perfect, but disciplined and continued practice leads to perfection.” Mistakes are inevitable in the pursuit of disciplined and continued practice. I made many mistakes during Wilderness First Aid during my first scenario, especially since this is the first course I have taken like this in 10 years. Making a conscious effort, my proceeding scenarios went much better. I would not have been able to perform at my ending level without having enduring mistakes. In my experience, learning from a leader’s example is best done by observing. Watching G give feedback and admire the successes he has seen in all of us has helped me point out the achievements I have seen in my peers. This has allowed me to further connect with them and start our friendships. Through observation, I believe one can pick and choose their favorite styles from their fellow leaders to develop additions to their own style. Once I have that figured out, I look forward to sharing my additions in my final leadership style paper.
