In the following account from Legend of Crystal Cove, Larry illustrates the relationship between authority and experience: The Island Gang leaves Raft Island intent on following clues to the location of Crystal Cove gleaned from their time in the burial ground at Dead Man’s Island. Though they have prepared in many ways, it is only the second time that they have taken the boat out on their own, it is dark, and they travel to a location they had never before visited. The outing is a disaster.
On a later occasion, and under nearly identical circumstances (same boat, similar preparation, same information, same course), they once again take their heading into Henderson Bay, but this time they have Mr. Grisham on board. As Mr. Grisham provides a lesson in sailing the kids quickly take note of his experience and fall in line as he takes charge. Having given Mr. Grisham the respect he deserves, they reach their destination successfully. When they run into problems in the cove they learn that Mr. Grisham has with him resources that provide an effective method of addressing the problem.
While the relationship between authority and experience is not an absolute, experience in a given discipline, when properly analyzed and applied, has the probability of making one somewhat of an authority in that discipline. That authority, when used with due consideration, enhances experience. To be effective, authority must be used with, and granted, respect.
