Two years is an awfully long time. Really, it is! Do you remember what you were doing two years ago today? Normally I would struggle answering that question myself, but on this occasion I know exactly what I was doing. Two years ago today I was sitting in a cottage in the Lake District preparing to give a Key Note lecture entitled 'Climate Change Through the Eyes of a Polar Explorer' at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia.
ETE LEADERSHIP COURSE – KAUST, SAUDI ARABIA
In January 2016 I had the pleasure of running a leadership course at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. Over the four day workshop, 20 post graduate students had the opportunity to learn and develop their project management and leadership skills and enhance their self confidence in preparation for future work and study.
ETE Leadership course students with instructors David and Vijay and KAUST coordinator Petrina.
Given from an expedition perspective the skills they learned are applicable and transferrable to all possible work and career paths that they may wish to pursue. The workshop started off with two classroom sessions to learn the theory of leadership and teamwork which culminated in the students organising an overnight camp in the desert.
Setting up camp
Over the two day outdoor phase the students each had the opportunity to lead tasks, take responsibility for their team and work together to achieve time critical objectives. They had the opportunity to put the theory they learned into practice and observe and reflect on their own and their teammates’ leadership qualities and styles.
"Different leadership styles are applicable for different situations."
Each of the tasks aimed to take the group out of their comfort zone in order for them to really understand who they are and how they react.
Night navigation in the desert
“You gain experiences and skills unmatched elsewhere and because Dave and Vijay [the instructors] are great people to get to know.”
Learning mountaineering knots
“I learnt a lot of new knots, some survival skills and some constructive critiques on my leadership technique.”
Camp beds down for the night (source: Greg)
“If I have the opportunity I would like to join again. I think it is a vital/fundamental programme for everyone. ”
Watching the sunrise
“It is well taught, they instruct you and make sure you are fully informed the entire time. They made what could be a stressful environment very calm and it was just a joy”
Source: Greg