Things to Avoid, Continued…

Showing favoritism Within any collection of people, it’s normal to like some folks better than others. Your group members are no exception. There are going to be the less-beautiful people, the problem divers and those who are just a little harder to get along with than others. Guess what? They paid as much to accompany you on the trip as anyone else.

• As the person who separated these folks from their vacation dollars, you can’t afford to be seen as treating some group members better than others. You are going to have to create the appearance that you treat everyone equally; this may mean that you end up focusing more attention on those whom you would actually prefer not to.
• When I’ve run group trips, I’ve always tried to identify the group’s ugly ducklings — the less beautiful (but not necessarily obnoxious) people whose dive skills leave something to be desired. Left to their own devices, such people often tend to feel left out. I focus special attention on them, feeling that, if I can get the ducklings to have a good time, odds are everyone is going to be having a good time.
• On the other hand, you can’t afford to let a genuinely obnoxious individual spoil things for others. Be prepared to pull this person aside and explain, gently but firmly, why others are having problems with his or her behavior and why he or she needs to step up and become a team player.

• Perhaps the biggest group-leader “No-No” is using the trip to pursue romantic entanglements. It’s one thing to take a significant other with whom you’ve had a long-term relationship on the trip with you. It’s quite another to pursue someone who may not welcome your attention, or — if that attention is welcome — allow it to distract you from the needs of other group members.

“This trip sucks!” »

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