The Hurdle Method

Our primary mode for helping leaders-in-training to acquire a need to know and to apply new knowledge. A hurdle is an unexpected challenge presented to a leader and his group for which he has not specifically prepared and which requires them to apply specific leadership skills—and sometimes outdoor—skills. A hurdle is often used to introduce a guided discovery.

One of the paramount characteristics of a leader is his readiness to act in a novel situation. Unexpected tasks that require efficient group organization provides realistic and valuable practice. The hurdle concept was indirectly described by Lord Robert Baden-Powell, Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of Scouting. He referred to the White Stag in his last address at a World Jamboree in 1933, at Gödöllö, Hungary.

"You may look on that White Stag as the pure spirit of Scouting, springing forward and upward, ever leading you onward and upward to leap over difficulties, to face new adventures..." ⁵

Hurdles similarly should help learners move forward and upward in their understanding of and ability to apply the leadership competencies.

For further information on the hurdle method, see Chapter 6 - "Developing Learning Hurdles".

[5] Larsen, John. The White Stag Report, December, 1967. p 3.