Getting to the Heart of Difficult Conversations Written By: Jim Grout Like many leaders, I always found it challenging to have the “difficult conversation” with staff members when it was needed. But over time I got better at it when I discovered the key to getting to the root of the issue. I showed up […]
Category: Adventure Programming
What Does Your Leadership Story Say About You?
What Does Your Leadership Story Say About You? Written By: Jim Grout Throughout my book, When in Doubt… Give Them Your Heart, I use stories to communicate my message and prompt reflection. Such an approach is not unique to me. I’m reminded of a book written by the late Colin Powell, a four star general […]
One Step at a Time: A Lesson in Resilient Leadership
One Step at a Time: A Lesson in Resilient Leadership Written By: Jim Grout If you learn about yourself in times of crisis, then Covid was the perfect venue. At a time when the entire world was anxious, scared and stressed, our High 5 experience was a learning lab for experiencing how important resilience was […]
Admitting Mistakes: A Powerful Act of Leadership
Admitting Mistakes: A Powerful Act of Leadership Written By: Jim Grout “That was a decision I made, in retrospect, it wasn’t the best one, and I want to apologize for doing it in isolation. I’d welcome your input on how to correct it—or whether we should do away with it entirely.” These are the words […]
Deep Listening in a Fast-Paced World
Deep Listening in a Fast-Paced World Written By: Jim Grout I recently did a book presentation with an audience of about forty people. Many of the folks in attendance had history with one another as long time neighbors, friends and acquaintances. As part of the evening program, we did a partner exercise that asked the […]
When in Doubt… Let Them Play! The Power of Self-Directed Play
When in Doubt… Let Them Play! The Power of Self-Directed Play Written By: Jim Grout Almost every day this summer on a small island in Maine, I ride my bicycle by a young group of kids playing. It attracts my attention because it’s a scene from my own childhood that doesn’t happen much anymore. There […]
Building a Better World Through Intentional Connection
Building a Better World Through Intentional Connection Written By: Jim Grout In my book, When In Doubt… Give Them Your Heart I define connection as the essential starting point for all our work. I also pose the question; “How do you intentionally create space for connection?” On June 18, 2026, the Obama Presidential Center held […]
Why Time Is So Important in Learning
Why Time Is So Important in Learning Text box Edge of Leadership Summer Stories Like Frodo in The Fellowship of the Ring, we are all confronted with decisions that will change the lives of others. Teachers must do that in the classroom several times each day. Should they teach content right to the bell, or […]
The Gift of Adventure Learning
The Gift of Adventure Learning Our Staff Shares Stories of Connection and Empowerment Connect.Empower.Lead. Be the Example. High 5’s motto is about change–changing lives, changing attitudes, changing abilities, and discovering aptitudes. It’s about finding our better self and discovering the power that comes with giving that self a voice, of giving ourselves the empowerment of […]
The Struggle is Real
The Struggle Is Real The Struggle Is Real: Perspectives in Adventure Education Programming By Lisa Hunt “It’s a challenge course, not a success course,” a practitioner said under their breath, as they watched a belayer give so much tension that it assisted a climber easily across a challenge course ropes element. This moment is relatable […]