I gave the seminar last night on leading wilderness paddling trips, which commenced with my three philosophies that are the underpinnings of everything else. One of them relates to the responsibility to individuals vs. the group.
This, like the other two, stems from managing employees. But, it contains an element that goes back centuries.
The gist of it is that the trip leader should strive to address the concerns, preferences, problems, etc. of the individuals. But, ultimately, the leader is the one responsible for the big picture. So, when it comes down to a conflict of interests, the group’s safety, convenience, etc. prevail. The individual may not understand that his/her issues should not unfairly be imposed upon all the others (and issues people frequently don’t get it), but the leader has to see that the group doesn’t suffer for it.
There is a codicil that was brought to me by an ancient philosopher. Remember, when you are dealing with people, that they are all dealing with their own personal hells.
This doesn’t really apply to the small segment of employees who constantly manufacture their own issues. But, you should consider it with most people.
That was underscored to me many years ago. I ran into a student I had taught in a weekend college. She now held a very good position and was doing quite well. Somewhat of a surprise to me since she had showed little in the class. As though reading my mind, she told me that she had been going through a rough divorce at the time and knew she hadn’t done her best work.
A good employer or trip leader should keep that in mind. Everyone hits a rough patch and it colors the behavior.
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I am guessing you are referring to Plato's "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle" (or something like that). Good advice. But I wasn't clear on your point. Are you saying a distinction should be made between "issues people" (who are by nature always going to be self-involved and oblivious) and people who are having situational issues (which we all have at one time or another)? If I understood your post correctly, I think that's an excellent point, although it's sometimes hard to differentiate the two except in retrospect (as with the example of your student).
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