Expedition Behavior
The leadership skill that holds a team together
Expedition Behavior, "EB", is the guiding principle behind what we do, how we teach, and who we are. It's the discipline of keeping a group functional, generous, and trustworthy under pressure.
What is Expedition Behavior?
A practice, not a personality
Expedition Behavior (EB) encompasses actions that serve the health and function of a group or community when working together toward common goals. Expedition Behavior is the guiding principle and foundation behind what we do, how we teach, and who we are at NOLS. The principles of Expedition Behavior are practiced on every NOLS course.
At NOLS we believe that Expedition Behavior, or simply “EB”, is critical to a team's success. Whether in a wilderness setting or in your daily life at work or home, EB means that group and personal goals are aligned and in support of each other. When we collaboratively work together, everyone succeeds.
The 9 principles
How we behave on expedition
01
Mission
Serve the mission and goals of the group.
02
Concern
Be as concerned for others as you are for yourself.
03
Dignity and Respect
Treat everyone with dignity and respect. Respect the people you encounter.
04
Support
Support leadership and growth in everyone.
05
Organization
Do your share and stay organized.
06
Help
Help others but don’t routinely do their work.
07
Integrity
Model integrity by being honest and accountable.
08
Concise
Say yes and deliver, or say no clearly if you cannot or will not do something.
09
Constructive Resolution
Resolve conflict in a productive manner.
The skill that travels home with you
The wilderness has a way of revealing exactly how a team functions, under cold, fatigue, pressure, and doubt. The same habits that keep a tent group safe and trusting in the backcountry build stronger families, classrooms, and workplaces back home.
EB in practice
Leadership learned through Expedition Behavior
Astronaut Reid Wiseman on Expedition Behavior
The Leadership Project: Expedition Behavior
Practice it in the field
Practice EB on a NOLS course
Every NOLS expedition is built around the principles of Expedition Behavior. Find a course that fits your goals.
