Training Log Archive: j-manIn the 1 days ending Nov 29, 2008:
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Saturday Nov 29, 2008 #
Note
Topic: People need thanks
Orienteering in the US is primarily volunteer-driven. Everything that we do depends on the involvement of volunteers. For better or worse, it is the case that most of the work is done by an especially committed cadre. For the purposes of putting on events (my current fixation) there are two marquee roles--the director and the designer--but many anonymous roles. It is really the latter that ensures the success, or even the viability of the event.
It is these people, those who sit at the start, the registration, etc., for hours, often every weekend that makes the whole thing work. Why do they do it? Why does anyone do it?
I am primarily interested in designing courses. I don't really require any instrumental benefit or first-order recognition. It is all a big game and I really derive reward from objective metrics: things like winning time, percentage of DNF's, etc. Subjective positive feedback is nice, but not necessary. Negative feedback would be welcome because it suggests that I missed something. I guess for me, it is kind of like golf. If you shoot a 64, you don't really need a whole lot more affirmation.
Anyway, that is me, and that is for designing courses. As a meet director, I derive satisfaction from everything running on time and accurately. But, there aren't as many salient metrics there (there could be, however) as there are for courses. Subjective things like the happiness of helpers and participants counts for even more.
Other people have different motivations and needs. Conceptually, it is difficult to appreciate how much time is dedicated to this sport in thankless capacities. Certainly, there is probably some intrinsic enjoyment they derive. Perhaps more important is the desire to give back and propagate the sport. Still, when you are doing this so regularly, and are more often subject to criticism than adulation, it seems like a raw deal. So, I certainly appreciate the qualms people have about tolerating criticism. The thought is that since there is so little instrumental upside to all this volunteer work, that anything negative will just swamp the boat.
I want feedback. I think it is necessary and vital to any organization or endeavor that aspires to greatness. (Obviously, not all do aspire to greatness, but anyway.) But, not just the abs(feedback). Or just negative feedback. We really do need to thank people, earnestly and sincerely. The course setters and directors, yes, but at least as importantly, thank the unheralded people who are spending the anonymous hours.
Thanks!
Orienteering in the US is primarily volunteer-driven. Everything that we do depends on the involvement of volunteers. For better or worse, it is the case that most of the work is done by an especially committed cadre. For the purposes of putting on events (my current fixation) there are two marquee roles--the director and the designer--but many anonymous roles. It is really the latter that ensures the success, or even the viability of the event.
It is these people, those who sit at the start, the registration, etc., for hours, often every weekend that makes the whole thing work. Why do they do it? Why does anyone do it?
I am primarily interested in designing courses. I don't really require any instrumental benefit or first-order recognition. It is all a big game and I really derive reward from objective metrics: things like winning time, percentage of DNF's, etc. Subjective positive feedback is nice, but not necessary. Negative feedback would be welcome because it suggests that I missed something. I guess for me, it is kind of like golf. If you shoot a 64, you don't really need a whole lot more affirmation.
Anyway, that is me, and that is for designing courses. As a meet director, I derive satisfaction from everything running on time and accurately. But, there aren't as many salient metrics there (there could be, however) as there are for courses. Subjective things like the happiness of helpers and participants counts for even more.
Other people have different motivations and needs. Conceptually, it is difficult to appreciate how much time is dedicated to this sport in thankless capacities. Certainly, there is probably some intrinsic enjoyment they derive. Perhaps more important is the desire to give back and propagate the sport. Still, when you are doing this so regularly, and are more often subject to criticism than adulation, it seems like a raw deal. So, I certainly appreciate the qualms people have about tolerating criticism. The thought is that since there is so little instrumental upside to all this volunteer work, that anything negative will just swamp the boat.
I want feedback. I think it is necessary and vital to any organization or endeavor that aspires to greatness. (Obviously, not all do aspire to greatness, but anyway.) But, not just the abs(feedback). Or just negative feedback. We really do need to thank people, earnestly and sincerely. The course setters and directors, yes, but at least as importantly, thank the unheralded people who are spending the anonymous hours.
Thanks!
Orienteering race 42:26 *** 6.34 km (6:42 / km) +142m 6:01 / km
spiked:13/23c shoes: Olways
DVOA/HVO dual event 2008, Red course.
One of the worst runs in a while but probably one of the top 3 favorites of the year.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/18115983@N00/30698183...
One of the worst runs in a while but probably one of the top 3 favorites of the year.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/18115983@N00/30698183...
Run warm up/down 8:00 [1]
shoes: Olways
Rushed, and incomplete warmup