Many well-meaning, unselfish adult leaders make decisions during outdoor events that, upon reflection, they might characterize as “stupid”.
Lester Zook, an experienced outdoor guide in Virginia, has characterized “stupidity” as being “the unwillingness to be open to learning, and receptive to input, outside perspective, and change.”
Lester characterizes the progression of one’s thinking from “stupidity”, to a willingness to learn and act accordingly, as follows:
- “I think I know” (stupidity entrenched, unaware of its own existence)
- “Maybe I don’t know; maybe there is more to learn” (self-awareness, stupidity recognized)
- “I need to know more” (curiosity, the opposite of stupidity)
- “I am willing to listen and learn” (open-mindedness, receptivity, and humility pave the way for growth, change and continual learning)
For an adult volunteer, much of this progression of thought will result from two factors – training and experience – each of which will hopefully make an adult volunteer aware of their own shortcomings skill-wise and judgment-wise, followed by a willingness to cure those shortcomings, increasing the odds of the outdoor activity being successfully planned and conducted.
Safe Scouting!