Outdoor Leadership & Group Facilitation Flashcards

A storm is building fast above treeline and the group is tired and debating where to go. Which leadership style fits best right now?

Answer: Directive, with the leader making a quick decision

When time is short and the risk is high, a directive style lets the group act quickly and safely.

Under the conditional outlook on leadership (Priest & Gass), which two factors mainly decide how directive a leader should be?

Answer: How favorable the conditions are and the group's competence and commitment

The conditional outlook matches leadership style to how favorable the conditions are and to the group's competence and commitment.

Two participants keep arguing about who leads navigation, and cliques are forming. According to Tuckman, which stage is the group in?

Answer: Storming

Conflict over roles, power, and direction is typical of the storming stage.

In NOLS terms, which behavior is the best example of good 'expedition behavior'?

Answer: Taking on camp chores without being asked and checking on tentmates

Expedition behavior means acting for the good of the group, which includes pitching in and looking out for others.

A participant who was not appointed as leader steers the group's decisions through skill and the group's trust. What is this person called?

Answer: Emergent leader

An emergent leader gains influence from the group's acceptance, not from a formal appointment.

Which sequence of debrief questions follows the classic 'What? So What? Now What?' model?

Answer: What happened, then why it matters, then how to apply it

The model moves from describing the experience, to finding its meaning, to applying it in the future.

Under 'Challenge by Choice,' a participant decides not to climb the high element. What should the facilitator do?

Answer: Respect the choice and offer another meaningful role, such as belay backup or spotter

Challenge by Choice lets participants choose their level of challenge while staying involved in the group.