The continual stream of bankruptcies and redundancies so gleefully reported in the press has left many of us shell-shocked and heading for the nearest bunker. But is it wise to leave our destiny in someone else’s hands? Without personal goals it is hard to know when you may need to adjust course. So how can we successfully navigate our way through the impending recessionary storm?
As unpredictable conditions are likely to be around for a while sheltering until it the storm passes will be a risky strategy. However exploring the unknown in such a climate can be a scary prospect. Can we learn anything from those individuals who regularly lead groups away from their comfort zone and into the great outdoors – the mountain guide?
Everything starts with a purpose and the desires and capabilities of the group to achieve that purpose successfully follows. If the leader considers the group to be too ambitious then perhaps some training is required first. This maybe solely to demonstrate that some or the entire group need to address their fitness levels and resilience before they can navigate the terrain safely.
The purpose of the journey is rarely just to get from A to B as fast as you can. Any leader using this approach is likely to get to the destination and find that they are on their own. If nothing else you would want the group to have learnt something about the environment they have passed through. That said it is important to travel at the pace of the slowest. Ensuring that everyone is valued and can contribute to the success of the journey is important for morale.
What terrain will you be passing through? Your map will tell you. You do valuable thing a successful navigator owns. It goes without saying that you need the right map – there is no point going to the Austrian Alps with a map of Snowdonia. Best to check you have the right one before you start planning a route.
Being able to assess risk and plan for every eventuality is an important skill. Whilst speed is an important factor so is safety. Planning to go around an obvious obstacle such as a mountain makes more sense than attempting to climb it. Egos aside it probably will not take any longer and the chances of everyone arriving safely are far greater.
We have mentioned storms already. Just because you set off in calm conditions does not mean that you will stay that way for the whole journey – it would be wise to pack your rucksack for worse case scenarios. Bad weather and alternate routes should be part of your plan. Then everyone will know what to expect if your vision gets clouded or in an emergency, summon help.
Does the group have the right equipment to navigate and survive in the landscape they will be travelling through? Do they have the necessary skills to use that equipment? Waving a GPS around might impress your mates but if the batteries go flat can they use a compass and go back to basics to get out of trouble?
Considering all of the above how long will your journey take? Is that acceptable? What actions might be possible to speed it up (or slow it down) without jeopardising the purpose? Perhaps difficult compromises will be necessary but these need to be discussed with the whole group to ensure they buy into the revised plan. If short cuts can be taken how might these impact your risk assessment?
The last thing to consider before you embark is wellbeing. What shelter can be provided and how will you maintain energy levels? Shelter needs to be fit for purpose – a £20 pop-up tent will probably not protect you should you get caught in a force 8 gale on an exposed mountainside. Food and water is essential too. Take plenty with you or ensure you can access adequate supplies en route. Building rest and meal breaks into your route plan andthen actually taking them is paramount to wellbeing.
The planning is over; expectations set and all foreseeable events covered in your risk assessment and emergency procedures. Before you start off you must submit a copy of your plan with the relevant authority. They will have local knowledge that will be critical to the success of your journey and may have access to funds to help finance it. Who will be there supporting you?
Whether it is your organisation or family and friends it is good to know there will be someone there to provide support and welcome you at the other end.
Two tips for explorers:
• Do not forget to stop and take a look at the landscape around you from time to time. You may see something more appealing than your current destination.
• When you are not sure where you are avoid making the map fit the landscape. If you are not where you want to be ignoring that fact is likely to lead you further into trouble. Retracing your steps until you know where you are may be the best option.
It is unlikely that your journey will follow the exact route that you have planned but at least you know that you are as ready as you ever will be for whatever fate can throw at you.
It is time to go exploring - without challenge life would not be half as much fun.
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