Willy Volk succinctly describes how he applies his experience in the Peace Corps to his work. I have known several Scouts (all Eagles) who went on to serve in the  Peace Corps and gained a great deal from it. Volk outlines five excellent lessons to apply to any leadership challenge – ones I think are particularly accessible to youth leaders: I joined…continue reading

Earnest Shackleton set out to cross the Antarctic on foot in 1914. When his ship Endurance became trapped and subsequently destroyed Shackleton and his crew spent the next two years rescuing themselves.  Shackleton’s leadership has been closely studied in recent years as an example of adaptation to tremendously difficult circumstances. We’re unlikely to experience anything near the physical…continue reading

EDITORS NOTE – Here’s a something that should be in our minds every time we interact with our Scouts. I am often focused on problems and missing opportunities to support them positively.  We all have a memory of a time when we were criticized. Do you remember a time when you were praised? I bet the negative comments stick…continue reading

Our perception of learning shapes the way we instruct and lead. Here are four common models of learning and the corresponding methods applied: Learning Model – EMPTY VESSEL - BLANK STATE Students are empty vessels that are filled by learning new things. Additive learning assumes uniform voids are filled by uniform chunks of learning. Leading Method - PASSIVE…continue reading

Authors James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner  have distilled thirty years of research and one million plus responses to their questions in The Truth about Leadership : You Make a Difference. Before you lead others you have to believe you will have a positive impact on others. Credibility Is the Foundation of Leadership. People…continue reading

The Center for Creative Leadership identifies seven critical leadership skills: Leading by motivating directing, delegating, managing Strategic planning. Managing change. Inspiring commitment. Resourcefulness. Persevering under adverse conditions. Being a quick learner. I am particularly drawn to the adaptive skills listed; managing change, resourcefulness, persevering under adverse conditions, and being a quick learner. Scouting plans are…continue reading

Leadership is the keynote to success– but leadership is difficult to define, and leaders are difficult to find. I have frequently stated that “any ass can be a commander, and a trained man may often make an instructor; but a leader is more like the poet– born, not manufactured.” Baden-Powell from B.P.’s Outlook available from The Dump B.P.…continue reading