Readings

For my reading I chose "Vulnerability and Leadership in Outdoor Education" by Tiffany Hodgson (2000) from the Australian Journal of Outdoor Education. Hodgson's book specifically looks at leadership and how it affects education in the outdoors and the multitude of variants that change that relationship, as well as what kind of role vulnerability plays.

Lessons:
Hodgson begins with a collection of a few simple yet key lessons for any leader. She discusses the fact that leadership is a difficult thing to outline in a few simple criteria, it is incredibly variable depending on situation, group dynamic, personality of the leader  and task to be executed. Each unique situation requires a slightly different set of skills, so it is really impossible for someone to be the "perfect" leader. This applies very directly to our situation in Outdoor Ed. I have found that each trip, and each class requires a slightly different role to be played, constantly changing due to the natural progression of learning through out the year, not only on the class' part but on our part as peer tutors. So to say that I am learning to be one really good type of leader would be incorrect. I should be instead trying to expand my skills to encompass as many traits of a leader as possible. Now this learning process will never truly end as my experiences will continue to develop these skills as time goes on.

As the book progresses, Hodgson makes a very good point, stating that as an outdoor education leader, there are very real pressures to be the most fit, the best camp cook, best fire lighter, best shelter builder, and to know what to do in every situation. I do believe that in our situation there is a certain expectation that as a leader you fit within a number of those criteria. However, I think that if anyone expects it, it is ourselves. Hodgson goes on to say that these expectations will sometimes keep us from letting on when we don't know how to do something, or are truly worried. She discusses the idea that in these situations a little vulnerability could be helpful. It would potentially encourage new learning and improve group cohesion. The fear is always that showing that vulnerability creates doubt in the leader and fosters a degradation of the group. However, I think if used appropriately, vulnerability is a trait that couldn't hurt to have as a strong leader, and instead of demonstrating weakness proves a confidence in the group that could be very empowering.