Guru Ratings

Pecos River Learning Center

Bad.

Remember my ratings criteria. I’m not judging these gurus on “global” or moral values, but very specific criteria. Many of my favorite books would be rated “bad” by my criteria for self-help (probably, because they are not self-help books). My ratings don’t reflect how well an author met his own goals, but how well they met my criteria for useful, accurate self-help.

The infamous retreat center. Companies send their salesmen here to run along cliffs, fall backward attached to a rope, and use a zip line. The idea is, this will boost their confidence and work skills.

To their credit, Pecos River measures their effect. However, the effect is weak, short term, and probably a placebo effect. When asked, participants can’t say how Pecos River helps them sell any better. In fact, they don’t change anything about their work methods.Damn it, I lost my source for this. Let me know if you find it.

Due to Pecos River’s popularity, many gurus have adopted their techniques for wilderness retreats. For example, John Eldredge. My dad and some of my friends rode the zip line at his camp and gave glowing reviews.