Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award

BRONZE TRAINING LEADERSHIP

All good leaders have a plan of where they want to go, what the group wants to achieve, an alternative plan, a backup plan

and a trip plan or trip intentions left with someone responsible.

TRIP PLANNING

Risk depends on:

environment

equipment

technical skills of the leader

skill level of the group

RISK MANAGEMENT

Number ONE priority at all times

GROUP SAFETY

There are many ways to manage a group, so this is one of the hardest skills to learn.

Factors that influence group management:

Environment

Age, gender and fitness of group members

Equipment available

Group skills

Available time

GROUP MANAGEMENT

Do your research – know the environment you are going to

ENVIRONMENT

When planning make sure you have planned for any additional equipment that may be required.

Eg rope, spare clothing, Group first aid kit

EQUIPMENT

Brief, to the point, no discussion

Useful if time is short or there is no choice.

Leader must be fairly confident they are right.

STYLE: DIRECTING

Leader maintains overall authority, but consults with members of the group with the specific required skills.

Eg if some members of the group have prior knowledge of the route

OR

Some members of the group have climbing skills

ETC

STYLE: FUNCTIONAL

Leader involves entire group in decisions in certain situations.

Members become more motivated and involved.

Eg deciding menus

STYLE: SITUATIONAL

Leader allows the group to make the decisions.

Leader must retain overall responsibility, though.

STYLE: SHARED

Skills of both the leader and the other group members are important.

Consider fitness, knowledge and experience when planning a trip

SKILLS

Sometimes the leader has to make quick or important decisions

SKILLS: DECISION-MAKING

Includes instructional, organisational and

individual awareness skills.

Fitness, climbing, water skills etc

SKILLS: TECHNICAL

Being able to manage situations and people

SKILLS: MANAGEMENT

Open communication between individuals and the group

SKILLS: COMMUNICATION

On your own or in consultation with others

SKILLS: PROBLEM SOLVING