I’ve always had a pull to leadership opportunities. I can lead a group well, I can be the voice, and help others through their own situations, but something I have always strayed away from is leading a group to new places, organizing events. All that Jazz.
When I got accepted to the race, that was exactly what I wanted to conquer. This fear of organizing and leading people places, heck, not even leading people, but doing this all for myself as well. I’ve always struggled with doing things for the first time because it’s UNKNOWN.
At training camp, (which happened exactly a YEAR AGO), when leadership asked me how I felt about being one of the squad logistics coordinators for the full 11 months, I was unsure. I don’t have this type of background, how was I supposed to lead 40 people from country to country. YIKES. I fully admitted to them that I didn’t know I was capable of doing this job, but they reassured me this was something I needed to do.
But wow, it has been the biggest blessing.
This position required me to coordinate travel from country, whether by train, bus, or plane. Contacting companies for the group and leading the squad on travel days which sometimes last 3 days. As well as finding housing for our debriefs that happen every few months.
It’s been challenging, but SO FUN. I can’t tell you how many emails I’ve drafted or how many bus companies I’ve researched. My logistics role has a huge part of the person I am today and a lot of what I learned as a leader, but also as an individual.
Here’s 11 things that I learned through it.
- Fight for my people. Not everyone will be satisfied, but knowing what the majority wants is important when making decisions
- Take chances. We were able to get some incredible hostels because we said WHY NOT
- Being in a big group has its advantages. Better deals babbbyyyy
- People want to work with you No is rarely someones first response, people wants to help you.
- My voice is important. People want to hear what I have to say and then accepting if my opinion isn’t accepted.
- It’s possible to travel on a budget. It just may take some research.
- Adaptability is so important Things never go as planned, things happen
- Delegation is very necessary, otherwise its easy to feel overwhelmed
- Discernment of when to lead and when to follow Logistics was mainly behind the scenes work except for the travels days and a few debrief days, this type of leadership was something I was not used to.
- Teamwork. Classic I know, but I wouldn’t have been able to do this on my own.
- There is always room to grow Gosh, everything learned here is applicable to other parts and I am excited to see how these skills are used and how I can grow more in them
Now, I couldn’t imagine doing the race without doing all the background logistics. It has been an honor to be able to serve my squad the past 11 months in this way.
Thanks, O squad for trusting me with your travels every month.
