A expression that I read a few years back said “ we do not rise to the challenge, we fall to the level of our training”. This expression deeply resonated with me for a number of reasons. I often find myself in situations either guiding, teaching or in life in general where things do not go as planned. It is in these moments when life goes sideways that we in fact need to be at our optimum. We want to be in a mind sate where we are responding to the moments, as compared to a reaction to the circumstances unfolding.
A tool that I have found incredibly useful in this process is having a model or a strategy of what steps I should be considering, prior to pulling the pin and making the decision as to what to do, or not. Years ago I was on an Avalanche Canada training course and I was introduced to a model S.T.E.P.S. Over the years I have modified and expanded this model so that it can used in the mountains, on the ocean, or in life.
S - Situation. The first question is “what is the situation that I am in right now”? This could be in respect to weather, snow, water, other people, myself. What is the environment of the context that I am dealing with? It could also be a life decision or a business decision.
T - Terrain. In respect to the avalanche industry this could be classified as simple, challenging or complex. You could also use these descriptors in the context of life. Are you in a low, medium, or high stress situation, have you been here before, is it new and therefore unknown. Avalanche wise again it would also mean taking into consideration the size, shape, nuances and variables of the overall slope.
E - Exposure. How much exposure will I have? Is it continuous, brief, are there “hot spots”, how much exposure am I willing to accept, what are my exposure mitigation strategies - time, numbers, avoidance, acceptance, is this the same for everyone, options or alternatives, escape routes. What methods can I use to control my exposure and where am I vulnerable, and am I even aware of all my vulnerability points?
P - People. What is the dynamic with the group? Do we know each other well, are we high functioning, how do we communicate, ability levels, tolerance to risk differences, decision making ability of individual/ group as a whole? Is there a designated leader, am I committed or half in, do I feel pressure, am I trying to fit in?
S - Severity of the consequences. What if I am wrong, group is wrong, what are our contingencies, what is the urgency of the situation if we are wrong on a scale of 1-5? Am I willing to accept the risk with this level of severity, is the group? Is the situation high probability / low consequences or the other way around?
Bottom line is that is a worthwhile investment to have a decision making and processing strategy before you do any activity. This will give you a framework and a tool to analyze the situation and to ask the questions that need to be asked. These tools generate dialogue, communication and an increase in responsibility for all involved. The other benefit is that after the decision has been made and implemented you can review the steps taken, and see where you did well and or areas that you missed.