Great discussion, I think you make great points and present them well.

In my mind the keys are mutual patience, tolerance and respect, all components you described. If one is a person who might be described as “rigid”, it takes some thinking and behavior modification. I was on a trip recently with two other paddlers, a type ‘a’ personality and another type ‘b’ like myself. It took the type ‘a’ a bit of time to loosen up, and took us some time to let him be him and respect that.

The information thing is huge for safety as well as respect. This was a bit of an issue among us, as were contrasting beliefs in safety and constant verification of safety skills, and it almost caused a pretty serious problem.

The upside of traveling with different people than oneself to me is favorable to traveling with like minded people of the same personalities. I learn humility and tolerance – but I can also approach problems from an angle I’m not used to using. And in our group, the mix of skill sets, strengths and weaknesses made me feel like we were three puzzle pieces.

Lastly, I think when you are landbound, you have to make the most of taking some time to yourself.

Group dynamics absolutely fascinate me and I think the importance is often overlooked (I know I have!).