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Embracing Imperfection in Training

Written By: Craig McClure

Embracing Imperfection in Training - Technical Rope Rescue Mastery

Embracing Imperfection in Training

In technical rescue, precision and safety are paramount. Yet, when it comes to learning and evolving within the industry, an overemphasis on perfection can stifle creativity, collaboration, and growth. Craig McClure’s reflection on “carabiner shaming” highlights a crucial lesson: focusing on minor flaws often detracts from the broader purpose of training and storytelling. Instead, embracing imperfection as part of the learning process allows for growth, innovation, and meaningful discussion.

The Problem with Perfectionism

Craig candidly admits to falling into the trap of critiquing others’ rigging setups for minor imperfections—something he later recognized as counterproductive. In his words, this behavior not only alienated peers but also missed the broader context of the stories and learning moments depicted in the images. This realization became painfully clear when he experienced the same scrutiny while sharing his own work, leading to a shift in perspective.

Perfectionism, while rooted in good intentions, can hinder progress in several ways:

  • Impeding Education: By focusing on minor details, the larger lessons and context often go unnoticed.
  • Discouraging Engagement: Harsh critiques discourage individuals from sharing ideas, asking questions, or participating in discussions.
  • Derailing Discussions: Nitpicking shifts the focus away from meaningful conversations to inconsequential flaws.

Learning Through Imperfection

In a training environment, imperfection isn’t just inevitable—it’s desirable. Mistakes provide opportunities for learning, critical thinking, and innovation. For instance, Craig shares a story about students setting up a monopod on a rocky riverbank. Their initial attempt revealed gaps in their process, but through collaboration and trial, they improved significantly. While the setup wasn’t flawless, it demonstrated growth and adaptability, which are key objectives of any training exercise.

Allowing learners to make mistakes, reflect, and adjust builds confidence and competence. Constantly correcting or perfecting their work during the process can undermine their progress and create a fear of experimentation.

Reframing the Conversation

Craig proposes a shift in how the industry approaches imagery and discussions. Rather than striving for perfection in every photo or scenario, he suggests using them as anchors for meaningful discussions. This approach recognizes that:

  1. Context Matters: A photo often doesn’t capture the full scope of the scenario or learning process.
  2. Rules Are Tools, Not Absolutes: Rigid adherence to dogmatic rules can stifle creativity and adaptability.
  3. Learning Requires Risk: Safe and controlled mistakes lead to deeper understanding and better solutions.

Educational Purpose Over Perfection

In technical rescue, the ultimate goal is not flawless execution but effective, safe problem-solving. Training photos, setups, and scenarios should reflect this purpose. They can serve as valuable teaching tools when framed with an educational mindset.

Craig’s boilerplate statement captures this philosophy:

These photos are presented for educational purposes or storytelling and were rigged by humans in the real world. They may not be perfect, but we believe they are safe, demonstrative of general good practices, and not presented as images of perfection or legal documentation.

Conclusion

As Craig eloquently states, expecting perfection in training and discussion is neither practical nor beneficial. By focusing on the broader context, fostering open dialogue, and embracing imperfection as a natural part of learning, the technical rescue industry can advance more effectively. Whether in training sessions or online forums, the goal should always be collaboration, innovation, and education—not perfection.

Let’s strive to build a community that encourages growth and shares ideas without fear of criticism. After all, learning is messy, and that’s precisely what makes it meaningful.

Peace on your Days

Lance
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About The Author:

Picture of Craig McClure

Craig McClure

Craig is a 14+ year Search and Rescue veteran in the Pacific Northwest and is the founder of The Crackerjack Group. Craig is a founding member and instructor with the International Technical Rescue Association. He’s currently a SAR volunteer for Deschutes County Oregon, rescue member of the MRA accredited mountain rescue team, an EMT, and specializes in technical and backcountry winter disciplines. He holds an AIARE Avalanche level 2 certification and is an expert backcountry skier. Equally comfortable in the field or command, he’s served as the coordinator for the Incident Management team and has participated in approximately 400 missions in his career reaching back to 2004 as a wilderness K9 handler. Craig is a frequent instructor for technical disciplines at SAR conferences, has served as an evaluator for MRA team accreditation, and was the a safety officer and rigger for the first descents into the glacial caves of Mt St Helens. He has led and participated in high alpine glacial rescues, big wall vertical rescues, and complex extraction missions. He enjoys teaching and believes his greatest offering is the ability to guide teams as a whole to improve communication, efficiency, and understanding of well-reasoned default operating guidelines. . Craig serves on the Curriculum Committee of the Oregon State Sheriff’s Association Search and Rescue Advisory Council and is a co-author and instructor of the state SAR Incident Management program. In 2013 he was recognized as the state SAR Volunteer of the Year. He has also served as a sworn Reserve Deputy and in addition to uniformed patrol, worked seasonally as a snowmobile patrol deputy and as a sworn municipal Police Officer and is a graduate of the Oregon Department of Public Safety and Standards Police Academy. He is certified NRA Range Safety Officer. Craig brings a solid perspective on leadership, objective-based management, and great personal experience as a field operator.

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