Avoiding Heuristic Traps

Identifying and avoiding heuristic traps is a key skill for any Outdoor enthusiast, guide, coach and instructor.
There are many resources out there that explain what heuristic traps are, and the various types that can causes problems or even accidents, unfortunately, there is not much information on how to identify and avoid these situations.
I thought it useful for anyone who enjoys the outdoors to have a simple set of mental tools to help them prepare for their sessions and journeys and thus reduce the chances of falling into these pesky heuristic traps.
It isn't a definitive list, and I'm always keen to learn different ways of proactively and reactively, avoiding these problems.
Feel free to share any thoughts and how you deal with these issues.

[@adrianccooper]

Really good, thank you Adam. It reminds me of a skiing example I read about (not my sport). A leader takes a group of leadership trainees off on their trip, stops at the top of a snow platform, really dodgy. Asks if the group are happy with where he has taken them; to a man they are really uncomfortable with it. "Why did you follow me then?"

[@outdoorinstruction]

That’s a really good example, I would be digging into what they mean by uncomfortable. Because if they felt objectively in danger, then that’s a definite problem. if they felt uncomfortable due to stretching their ski technique, and having to adapt to the conditions that could be an optimum learning experience. But if we’re training trainees part of that is getting people to ask questions..

[@grahamfisher5436]

@outdoorinstruction The greatest fear of all Is the unknown . If we cannot ID identify something. We cannot qualify it As pertentally Friend or foe. So we ask one to. Advance to be recognised We should apply the Skill/ will matrix. It's also about the coaches/ instructors Building up a 100000% trusted relationship with their pupils A healthy strong relationship is built on 3 things.. TRUST HONESTLY RESPECT Take 1 away and it all fails. without honesty, there can be no trust nor respect Without respect there can be no trust nor honesty Without trust there can be no respect nor honesty. The "triangle" collapses.. I've studied human psychology..

[@grahamfisher5436]

Possibly Because The trainees Expected the coach to not deliberately take/ put them into a position of danger 8n the first place. We as pupils expect coaches to be able to carry out what their qualifications say they should be able to do. Act professional and abide by codes of conduct at all times.. Lead by example.. I've spoken up about negative Experiences I've encountered.. I'm waiting to see Who will listen to me If not, then it completely Goes against everything, that we are told to do.... Reach out Speak up..

[@canoepoler]

Excellent! Thank you Adam!

[@outdoorinstruction]

Thank you

[@grahamfisher5436]

Brilliant video.. I open canoe and sail.. I have psychological/ physical conditions.. So its so very important for me to be safe out there.. Im constantly assisting the environments Both on and off the waters.. If the conditions ( weather) aren't right. I'm not going onto the waters. When on the waters im always looking for a ( emergency) exit point(s) I practice the - Slow steady and surly Constant risk assessments.. Doing professional courses/ awards Eg..... British canoeing ( I've been told to do my open canoe leader award) RYA - level 1&2 ( again been advised to take the RYA leader award. Knowledge Knowledge Knowledge Practice Practice Practice Safety Safety Safety Fun Fun Fun

[@outdoorinstruction]

I like the use of the word surly !!

[@grahamfisher5436]

@outdoorinstruction is that the correct word I've got dyslexia And word blindness ( AVPD - Audio/ visual processing disorder) So can't actually "see" what I'm writing 99% of the time. ( think colour blindness but in what I hear and what I say and see gets mixed up.. But I'm always open For good folks to Politely correct me..