Adaptive Leadership Skills

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 often prone to change because we always deal with the vagaries of weather, participation, and other unexpected changes to our plans. The Scout motto ‘be prepared’ is an encouragement to develop adaptive skills. When asked ‘prepared for what?’

Baden Powell reportedly answered ‘any old thing’.

These skills contribute to developing a strong. flexible character that does not resist but rather welcomes change. Good leaders adapt the energy of change towards reaching their goals in the same way that a Judo expert uses the momentum of his opponent to resist an attack. Life outside of Scouting is just as unpredictable as elements beyond our control shape and change things.

Being prepared, being flexible, and learning the skills of adaptive leadership will serve us well.