A chronicle about leadership and outdoor guiding.

The society is always change-inclined. This means that we all have to adapt to that circumstance. We are now going into a more idea-driven leadership overall, and that will of course affect all areas in generally. In addition, the outdoor area as well course. What we also can see as a trend is the change of knowledge of our customer/clients. In generally the knowledge in outdoor technique is being increased for the customers, but as before, some of them will always be beginners. This will mean that it will require more knowledge and a real good physical shape as a guide to handle the large spread of knowledge. One reflection I have done related to that is: You as a guide do not need to show your knowledge, but to obtain the whole groups knowledge. To get the most out of the activity/event. (The guide of course will still be the responsible for the activity). In addition, it will become more important to provide the activity/event with something unique*). Such as animal or plant life of the area. Alternatively, the history or culture life or a new slope etc. With clients knowing more and with more skills, they expect more from a guide. Therefore, you as a guide have to analyze what area you shall focus on. From my perspective, it will be the difference between the guides and guide companies. The customer will choose outsourcer based on those criteria. The one that understands the clients need, no matter of level of knowledge or skills.

The ownership and responsibility will be another interesting area. With new expectations from the customers, this are will be more important. Everyone wants to be seen, even if you are a beginner or very experienced. A way of getting everyone satisfied, you can use the whole group’s knowledge. Nevertheless, do not forgot the beginners. They need the attention as well. A guide who get the eight sense, and can catch that, she or he will be a well hired guide.

Drive and motivation will also be a central part of the guide’s leadership. With all the new requirements from the Customer/clients. This will be the arbitration between the guiding company and guides. The ones that can catch the unique*) areas and get the client to be seen, they will take the lead of the market. Nevertheless, the guides still need to develop the experience of being a good listener and continually learning and reflecting.

Summing up, you must find a way to be unique. Understand the composition of the group. Use the group’s knowledge, and listen to and see all the clients. Keep a high physical level, and build up your confidence. Train your ability overall due to that the client knowledge increase all the time. And always always keep the focus on to get the clients development and experience second (safety first)

a well balanced guide with physical and mental strength, with a focus for how to get the clients satisfied and with the safety in focus..

*) I will not give you the whole answer of what that is, because that is the key for the future market. Therefore, if you interested in that you have to contact meJ however, for example it can be: Secure to NOT have any dependency. Be confident in yourself. Reflect over “what is being unique” in the guide business. Find and defined your values.

Ulf Bergman (Photo Bjorn Dahlgren)

See ya soon..