How to Build a Great Team for Travel: Proven - Gear & Tactics by X Overland

Welcome to Proven! This new series is all about the proven gear and methods we have used or learned along the way during our travels. Clay speaks from his personal experience with Expedition Overland over the past 9 years and the systems we have used along the way!
This episode is all about group dynamics, expedition behavior and successful team building. Enjoy! #xoproven #expeditionoverland #xoverland
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Presented by General Tire: generaltire.com/

[@gundog4314]

I learned this at 17 in the Army. Team not Self. Mission not Self. Everyone has different skills, motivations, likes, dislikes and jackassery. I never liked everyone and vice versa but we set that behind the mission and got the job done while taking care of each other. Fast forward to this situation I would have every member of a proposed Team take the Myers-Briggs Personality test. It’s been a godsend to me in how to deal with my business dealings.

[@ExpeditionOverland]

Thanks so much for tuning in this evening! We are excited to jump into this not often talked about topic. Would love to hear your thoughts and as always, enjoy!

[@ddmirolli]

ExpeditionOverland ok hear me out. Start a leadership podcast. I get that Jocko has his but there's only so much that civi's can relate to with war time stories. But life is an adventure and you guys are routinely SEEKING OUT long form adventure. This video was incredibly insightful and I feel like you've got more nuggets for us

[@ExpeditionOverland]

@@ddmirolli thank you! We will for sure be working on something like this :) Stay tuned and thank you for the feedback!

[@loverofdancing6428]

@@ExpeditionOverland Do you guys have a podcast yet? 😄😯

[@twilacarlson7205]

Humility and teachability. Neither are held up as essential elements of maturity very often in our culture. Totally agree. Thanks for this video. Really enjoyed it!

[@mrjohnsonclarke]

Hey mate, I agree and believe that this is "the most" important topic that is not discussed enough during expedition or any other high pressure situation where group dependency is present. I have travelled with many different people, and always in very remote parts of Australia. A notable difference to your expedition dynamic is that we (each vehicle) tend to travel more independently from each other and with independent setups as we often travel with families, however we still rely on each other, the group, for support and all the benefits of a diverse social dynamic. This said.. I have recognised how bad moral can be toxic and eat into a group dynamic like a cancer. I have experienced how this can ruin the expedition experience and entire friendships. Often this happens very quietly and if not addressed can cause the damage before it's even noticed. It is my observation that source of this is often issues with communication (whatever the finer detail...). I will share this vid with the next pre-trip discussion in hope that it will enable discussion on these topics. Thanks! Excellent video!

[@JeffC1]

Outstanding topic. Thanks for sharing!

[@davidharden8469]

Great presentation, Clay. I think many of us have often wondered how you prevent conflicts from arising and ruining an expedition. Judging by your impressive content, I would say you have been very successful. And that is a big part of why so many of us support you and what X Overland stands for.

[@ExpeditionOverland]

thanks David!

[@cotepierre68]

This is my preferred one topic video you’ve made! The humain domain is the one critical part of any group activity and your angle, tips and considerations are really bang on! Thank you!

[@insaynbcr]

Best video (non-action-oriented) to date! Many folks overlook the dynamics of how important communication and maturity play in a team. I have difficulty with individuals that don't take a team or a job priority into consideration, so it slows down the process of getting through completing a task as a team in a timely manner.

[@mungabrown6543]

I loved this video! I'm 63 years old and had my eyes opened (about my sarcasm). I wish I had someone like you as a regular runnin' mate (not as in jogging.) I've often thought that humility is one of the stronger personality traits. It would be so refreshing in the workplace. Thanks for an outstanding, instructive, insightful video!

[@Toots807]

Thank you so much. I think this video is amazing. I believe I can use all of the information to improve my personal team skills.

[@gregvause1380]

One of your better topics, not sexy like gear but more importaint

[@davidharden8469]

Isn't it great to have intelligent content on KZbin? I love it.

[@ExpeditionOverland]

@@davidharden8469 Thanks Guys! we will do our best.

[@OverlanderVenezuela]

I have finished all the Proven videos and I must recognize that all tips were great, really usefull, my Amazon car now has some great products thanks to Clay. The last video "How to built a great Team" shows the team experience and lidership necessary for a overland trip. Thanks always for been there and never quit to dreams. Best regards from Venezuela.

[@suebayford8336]

Interesting Clay not from an overlanding perspective as such but generally in a team that you work with identifying and dealing with the issues you mentioned is a valuable tool to having a happy team that works together, Thanks

[@donarter2582]

Humility, sense of humor, good work ethic and knowing the ultimate goal. I think if a team of guys like the group of XO who have obviously formed a bond/brotherhood can’t take a bit of razzing and laugh along, not someone I’d want on my team. Even if it’s at myself. Along with “getting the job” done, there has to be laughter.

[@dirkterhaar4961]

Brilliant video thanks, so much useful stuff in there for life and work in general. A really well done piece.

[@rgandmjroberts8344]

Clay, this content is the most valuable you all have produced ! Essential basics are often overlooked, forgotten or just never spoken of. Some of this is common sense to more mature persons. But still good to hear it vocalized. Thank you for contributing to the overland community.

[@LsJourney619]

You have it right! team fit & maturity is a great place to start. thanks for your maturity.

[@davidharden8469]

Amen. With so much mindless stupidity on KZbin, X Overland is a breath of fresh air. Literally and figuratively.

[@justinbrost275]

Fairly new to your channel and have really enjoyed it. This was one of the more thoughtful and insightful episodes for anyone thinking about getting into Overlanding. Learned a lot of this when I was 24 in the Civil Air Patrol, working Search and Rescue and later on when I was on a Sheriff's Search and Rescue team in Idaho. But, I have never heard it put so eloquently. Thank You.

[@PatriotGames]

Very well said, as usual. Your so wise Croft! Well done 👏

[@NarrowRoadAdventures]

Nailed it! This is something I will likely have everyone watch before trips (backpacking, overland) that I lead. So important that everyone is onboard. A couple years ago on a backpacking trip an individual started going negative early on and looking back we should have addressed it right away but it kept on until it was out of control, effecting others and the group as a whole. I saw his mentality start to effect him physically. Pretty much ruined the trip. I learned a lot from it; wish I had watched this before. Good stuff!👍

[@Paulicko94]

Thanks for the summary. As an expedition leader, I fully agree with you. It is a topic that is little talked about and perhaps the biggest key to success. In our team we spend a lot of time communicating in planning so that each member has all the necessary information and the members get to know each other / test how they will get along. Planning not only facilitates the expedition but also facilitates communication. Regarding expedition roles, we consider them to be key in group dynamics. because roles come with tasks and processes. These are defined and their fulfillment takes time out for negative thinking, maximizing useful time and positive experience. You are definitely among the top stories and production of expedition content. Thanks. #weallknowthatoneguy :)

[@josephglore7832]

Thank you so much clay for making this video. This was something I needed to hear and it has helped my recognize things that I need to work on to be a better team player. Love XO’s content! You guys rock!

[@rogerhalt3991]

Most of these are a given. At the end of the day (or trip!) you are all there to enjoy the group, overlanding and the landscapes. No one wants a toxic or negative person on a trip like this. Working in larger groups must be difficult though, I have only ever been alone on a trip or with 2 others where we communicated before the trip what we all wanted to see along the way, cooking, cleaning etc and it all worked out great :)

[@jaredgowan5447]

Great comments and a well thought out and articulated message! I agree that these principles are the building blocks for group success.

[@b5580]

miss toby, great video and topic guys

[@DJTheGX]

Loved the video. Like watching a Leadership course at work, but not boring. You brought up a great point about humility and the need for both experienced and newer Team Members to have it. Being teachable is important on both ends. Just as new person on a team can learn, so can the veteran learn from the new member. Love it. I like this style of video.

[@jandyallday]

Love the video and tips. We think alike with regards to team dynamics and communication between people and what it means and what you can assume based on certain behavior.

[@alexzappile12]

Great video guys! This can be applied just about anywhere, the workplace especially. I've practiced some of these tools at work and they do work, or at least shows you who's willing to work together and on themselves. I Hope to get out there and put some miles on my truck with a group, I've only been out on solo or weekend trips. Long time follower, your videos and production are truly motivating.

[@charlesgell]

Thanks for this brief and clear "warming up" the stuff I had to learn in many seminars and forgetting to take care of while running in my hamster wheel called my restaurant

[@Onward_Forward]

I like this Clay not something that is discussed alot or at all but needs to be not just for overlanding but for off-road community in general. I think maturity us key. Omar

[@CarlosMartinez-th6ti]

I always enjoy your videos but never like this one, learned a lot. I have to watch it again and take notes. Very educative, keep doing videos like this one. Thanks

[@wilderness-training3312]

Wow! Thanks for this video. As the leader for nearly 10 years of TeamTREC, a Land Rover club in Tennessee, I can't stress how important this is. I couldn't have said this any better. Love your attitude and attention to team dynamics. Keep on TRECing.

[@charlesgell]

I wish you guys and gals many more adventures to come and such good videos made "ad multos annos"

[@MudducksTouringAustralia]

Some good tips mate, I have run a few trips where some of these issues have crept in. I found conflict resolution is best done ASAP in a polite manner without blame. Well done on a difficult topic. Cheers Steve

[@mr.cruisernad5271]

one on the best instructive video you've done. Really appreciate it. thanks!

[@m3logistics]

Excellent presentation Clay - positive and constructive group dynamics are of utmost importance where a group of individuals come together with the goal to achieve a specific mission! I have been watching most of your videos on youtube - well presented and highly motivating to anyone who has a passion for the outdoors and adventure! Keep up the good work and I am looking forward to your new XO that starts in November! Johan Alberts, Cape Town (South Africa).

[@davkenrem]

It's just me and my dog, don't think there will be any problems, unless he tries to eat me...

[@pushintheenvelope]

Loved this video guys. Something that a lot of people don't consider, and like a few other comments have pointed out, also something that can be applied in other aspects of your life. A lot of the stuff you mentioned in here wasn't even on my radar, and while watching your other series have wondered about how you deal with stuff like this. Everything is all nice and clean after the final edits! 😁 Keep up the great work guys! I'd love to see more like this, I know you guys talk about this stuff more at expos and the like, but more input from other team members, as well as the team leader would be neat as well. Find out how other people deal with this kind of stuff from a 'non authoritative' position, for lack of a better term.

[@PilsenChgo]

Great stuff Clay. In an organization, the long term trip can be interpreted in a long term goal.

[@esadventuretales.]

Great information as this can apply in a work setting as well. Thanks

[@SethDavis96]

Amazing tips. I hope I can apply this to my own team one day 😁

[@jamesmazurstudios]

A great talk on a topic most people don’t talk about. Thank you.

[@ejardin13]

This was a really fascinating talk, thank you. It isn't just expeditions - I am applying this to my work in a office.

[@kellydrolet4740]

Really good points. Just look at successful sports TEAMS. The coach/leader and his guidance and support, then individual maturity, coachability, skills and ethics are always characteristic identified.

[@tacotots_132]

Such a great video!!

[@vibeofadventure]

incredible lecture.

[@chadmead4372]

Great video! Well spoken on a under recognized topic.

[@TeamBinBerlin]

very keen insights

[@aldrede.hatfieldjr.4597]

Enjoyed the video. Good content. Learned some things.

[@TygerBlueEyes]

good advice

[@OutofWORKoutdoors]

maturity is #1. Everything else can be learned/taught.

[@peterstewart3563]

maturity can be gained through experience. Adventure is one of the best ways that you can gain maturity. That said even mature people can act like children at times, they just know when to switch it off and stop playing.

[@joshblount133]

Hi Clay, One of the things I wondered about through this video, is how you handle faith? As I'm watching through all the series, it seems apparent that some members of XO hold to a certain faith, and so how does that play in as your looking at adding team members that don't hold the same religious ideals?

[@dashady187]

did you guys ever explain the black eye that one guy with the gauged ears got?

[@JP-rv6hg]

Jeez are u guys running out of topics? You yanks love to over think this stuff…