A Question of Leadership (Scenario)

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I greatly admired the adventure challenge thread created by The Reaper, and would like to offer a different scenario for consideration. I would add that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

In this scenario, you get to choose your physical attributes. If you wish, you will be in peak physical condition; alternatively, you may choose deficiencies or challenges. Conceptually, this will be about leadership and working with and through others.

You get to choose where you live, whether rural farm, small town, or urban environment, or whatever you wish to define. You have been fortunate enough to have enough money that you don’t owe a penny, and you don’t need to work. You live in a residence you own, whether farm, house, or 40th story condominium. In addition, you have a nice stock of supplies and equipment. Suppose that you have $250,000 to spend on supplies, and you can obtain anything the law allows presently.

You find yourself in a post-peak oil world where fuel prices have increased substantially. Gasoline is $15 per gallon, when you can find it. Supplies of diesel are rationed, with farmers and truckers receiving priority. The economy has degraded, with unemployment at 25%, equivalent to the 1929 depression. Underemployment is rife. The news reports hint at worse things to come. Food prices are up sharply too, and availability has become undependable. Fresh fruits and vegetables are a fond memory.

It may be that, for a variety of reasons, you regard this scenario as impossible. Therefore, suppose it occurs in an alternative universe (permitted under the many worlds hypothesis of quantum theory) where it can and does occur.

In your neighborhood, there are individuals and families who are in distress. Some are getting by on one meal per day. Almost all of your neighbors are civilians, and they are afraid. Some are angry. But as it turns out, they recognize a leader when they see one – and YOU are the one they see as an effective leader. They will do just about anything you tell them to, at least for awhile.

A group has come to your door. They want your guidance and direction. They seek to get through the present difficulties; neither you nor they know how long the situation will last. You do not have formal command authority, but right now the neighbors see you as the only one who can guide them effectively. They are typical civilians, according to whatever standards you apply. There will be men, women, children; some young, some old. Some will be fit, others not. Some will have positive attitudes; others will display the opposite.

The rule of law still exists, but most services (including police, fire, and medical) are undependable at best. The government at various levels is trying to deal with a variety of problems, but the scope of the problems mean months – and perhaps years – will pass before the situation stabilizes. Your small area cannot expect any particular outside help – although food deliveries will continue sporadically, the water and sewers will function most of the time, and electricity will be available at least 6 hours daily. Petty crime will be an ongoing problem, but society will not fail. It will not be necessary to deal with large, lawless groups. Crime will be limited to occasional burglaries and robberies; however, it may be days before the police can get to your area. On the other hand, the existence of the rule of law constrains treatment of criminals.

For the scenario, where is the (purely hypothetical – it would probably be best to not use your actual location) neighborhood?

What are the important characteristics of the hypothetical neighborhood?

Do you agree to lead (guide) them?

What do you do first?

What will you require of the people who you are now leading?

Do you arrange for sharing of supplies? Do you share yours?

Do you have an overall plan?

How do you motivate people?

How do you encourage development of teamwork?

How do you deal with interpersonal conflict in the neighborhood?

What are your priorities?

Do you seek to establish cooperative contacts with nearby communities?

What would your greatest concern be? How would you deal with it?

Do you think you can succeed in guiding the community forward?

Suppose you foresee the events 90 days in advance. What supplies do you acquire? What training?

Thoughts?

And, if there are deficiencies in the scenario that should be corrected, please bring them up.