I remember saying to Dad many years ago, how difficult it was to allow people to take risks when you knew they might fail. Dad looked at me, smiled and said
"Remember the power of the parachute"
"The power of the parachute...??"
"Yes, the leaders role is to give people the confidence to move towards the ledge, to have taught them the basics that they feel ready to take that jump, to fly for a few seconds in the sky. That few seconds will be exhilarating, it will be exciting..until they sense that they are falling too fast. That's when the parachute comes in...you step in and gently bring them safely home. A leader breaks the fall, a leader controls the speed, the leader acts as the safety net. Don't ever let them not fly....but never let them fly without the parachute. That way they enjoy the experience, understand and respect your role and don't fear taking their next plunge into the unknown..because you are there to keep them safe"
I love the idea of letting them fly, and being there to break their fall...be it a normal parachutist or a dare devil free faller...
