1. Growing Scouts into Leaders
Dwight Thompson, Scoutmaster

2. 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.

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

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

5. 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!

6. One element of teaching leadership
Develop Trust Relationships

7. 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!

8. 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

9. One element of teaching leadership
Be Patient and Understanding

10. 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

11. 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!

12. One element of teaching leadership
Be a Good Communicator

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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?

16. 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
Dwight Thompson, Scoutmaster Troop
The number you need for this course: 1813