Growing Scouts into Leaders Dwight Thompson, Scoutmaster

For Leaders of Scouts (under 18 Venturers) Assumptions Keep the Purpose and Methods of Scouting central to the Program Boy-Led Unit Follow the Adult Leadership Model/Roles in the Program In this course success means developing youth into leaders Not a course about How to Coach or Mentor Everything you need to know - takes years to figure that out Scouting skills or YPT It is one viewpoint. It is not the only viewpoint. Consider the information and take what you think you need Think about it awhile – chew on the concepts – look at yourself and your troop Please feel free to ask questions as we go.

A Quick Reminder Coaching versus Mentoring Ages Level Primary Method Meaning 11-17 Troop 13+- 20 OA Chapter/Lodge 14 – 20 Venturing Coaching Guidance Mentoring Advising

One element of teaching leadership Be a Role Model of what leadership should look like!

Role Model Leadership Be Predictable Have Integrity Be yourself--- not what you think you should be. Walk like you Talk Take ownership of your mistakes and omissions Role model delegation of authority and tasks A tip on your orientation to Scouting: Understand your ‘Why’ of Why you are a Scouter!

One element of teaching leadership Develop Trust Relationships

Develop Relationship & Trust You Need Trust to: Propose Change Seek Feedback Support Common Goals Reduce Stress Build Community To increase follow-thru And Most Importantly trust is necessary to Encourage Personal Growth BTW don’t forget to trust yourself!

Trust – Some helpful thoughts Be Consistent – able to be counted on Be Straight up. Don’t be wishy washy Make Decisions consistent with your position of Leadership Trust Relationships: Require Effort: Invest in them They are developmental versus goal-oriented (transactional) Keep People Involved and Interested Trust relationships are a real foundation to success

One element of teaching leadership Be Patient and Understanding

Patience and Understanding Listening--- develops caring and trust Ask about their Life: Their family and their other interests Focus on self-worth: Deliver positive messages Support Diversity and Developmental Challenges Consider alternative reasons for behavior Never make snap judgements A wise Scoutmaster once said: Seek advise/ Ask for help understanding Involve parents when reaching out

Practical Tips on Structuring Patience and Understanding Understand your bottom line (in advance) Communicate consequences for behavior (good and not so good) Set clear expectations, preferably written, of leaders and participants Watch assumptions and be sure of your Facts. Don’t Guess what you do not know. Consider (Human) Scout Behavior in the context of the entire Social (Troop-Family-School-Other) Environment Keep in mind: If you’re short tempered- you are probably in the wrong position!

One element of teaching leadership Be a Good Communicator

Necessary Communication Skills Written Verbal Proof read what you write Assume many will read Never write and send when upset--- COOL OFF Please remember that a written word stays in a youth’s memory and on their computer Be prepared- consider your words Use notes as needed – model public speaking Pay attention to volume, inflection and tone Be clear and direct – no double meanings

Communication Concepts for Adults You are the Role Model so communicate well using positive messages Watch your non-verbal's! Unintentional telegraphing Inappropriate cultural (or other) gestures Don’t use Put downs Insist and maintain appropriate interpersonal communication Make and keep eye contact Use only appropriate language Be careful of gestures while talking Be Attentive and require their full attention A note to the perfectionists in all of us: When the adult is in error – be gracious and sincere in your apology

Elements of Adult Leadership Necessary to grow Leaders in the Scouts BSA Program Be a Role Model of what leadership should look like! Develop Trust Relationships Be Patient and Understanding Be a Good Communicator Are these the leadership skills you want every Scout (your son or daughter) to demonstrate?

Thank you for your kind attention Four Training Courses that make a difference: Scoutmaster Essentials Wood Badge National Leadership Seminar- OA Sponsored Developing Youth Leadership Conference https://oa-bsa.org/training/developing-youth-leadership-conference-dylc Dwight Thompson, Scoutmaster Troop 309 206-399-9477 The number you need for this course: 1813