Philmont free essay sample

All I could do was chug the little bit of water I had left. My mouth was dry and I was fatigued enough to collapse. It was only half way through the day, but my group’s goal of reaching the summit of that mountain was complete. My group started at 5:00 before the sun came up. There would be no breakfast until a half hour after we began, because it was important to wake up our bodies before eating. I had no idea how hard it would be to go from an elevation of 9,000 feet to 12,500 feet. But, over the next three hours, I would find out. The trail was five miles of switchbacks then a half-mile straight up. At least we only had to carry water and food with us. No full backpacks. After two miles, half of group was getting low on water. I shared my extra two liters with others when they ran out. I honestly questioned whether I could handle it. In the weeks prior to the trip, I contemplated what being a good leader meant and what characteristics make up a strong leader. As the trek went on I discovered that there was a more effective way to lead than to order the scouts around. I connected with each member of the crew on a more personal level, hoping to understand what each Scout had to offer to create an efficient crew on the trail. This in turn, helped build stronger team spirit amongst our crew. As the trek progressed, everyone began to assume a unique role on the team, which resulted in less required direction from me as a leader. It was at this time that I learned the most regarding what makes a leader. This situation allowed me to step back just enough to observe the cohesiveness and effectiveness of our team. Looking back on it now, I’ve come to realize that it is the team that makes a good leader. It’s the team from which the leader receives ideas and feedback. The leader has to listen and understand the team, but without a great team, even the best leaders are restricted in their effectiveness. General Douglas MacArthur once said: â€Å"A general is just as good or just as bad as the troops under his command make him.† Exhausted but thrilled, we approach the summit just as the magnificent sun sets over the horizon. Sighs of relieve can be heard, in awe of our victory over the treacherous Mt. Phillips. We remind ourselves that this is only one obstacle of many to come in this trip and in our lives.