Scoutmaster's Mission Statement

Frankly mission statements (and the other magic spells of the management alchemists) make me a little nauseous. As a reference point, an expression of intentions and goals, they are useful reminders to stay the course. Sun Tzu’s observation is a succinct expression of good leadership and hardly needs elaboration: As for the best leaders, the people do not notice their existence. The next best, the people honor and praise. The next, the people fear; and the next, the people hate. …When the best leader’s work is done the people say, ‘We did it ourselves!’ To lead the people , walk behind them. - Sun Tzu But I elaborated anyway; As a Scoutmaster I will; Create and nurture an environment for learning leadership and developing a sense of direction.

Value the decisions and autonomy of the scouts and maintain the proper balance of advice and control between youth and adult leadership.

Encourage this autonomy by guarding their decisions and plans from undue influence of adult leadership.

Maintain the highest expectations of all members despite disappointments.

Admit my own mistakes openly, maybe even joyfully.

Encourage others to do likewise by never punishing honest mistakes. Look for opportunities to delegate authority in important matters Listen carefully to the desires and concerns of others in making decisions and giving direction.

Exercise tolerance and self control in times of stress.

Present and maintain a program within the bounds of propriety and safety.