EXPEDITION LEADERSHIP

Expedition Leadership is for anyone responsible for leading a scientific, academic, commercial or large private expedition. The course assumes full competency in all aspects of expedition management and focuses on the critical elements of leadership and the management of group dynamics. The course begins with an extensive review of expedition planning as the basis for all other decisions and ultimately the success of the expedition. The focus then shifts onto the setting of expectations from camp staff to guides and external support through expedition members. How to adjust expectations and work towards group cohesion during times of difficulty ensures that things will continue to work as the going gets tough. Understanding more than a dozen personality types and how to identify and relate to that type effectively is both an art and science. Upon completion of the course, participants should feel more competent and able to deal with the diverse dynamics involved in taking effective leadership for an involved and dynamic project and overseeing the effective operation of the entire expedition and confidence to make adjustments to ensure the ultimate success of the expedition.

The course is taught over two days and may be done either in camp combined with other courses or by itself in a class room environment. All participants must have demonstrated significant past outdoor experience with past leadership roles and a serious likelihood to assume a leadership role on future expeditions.