Defining Leadership

John Thurman was the Camp Chief at Gilwell Park and had an important role in shaping Wood Badge training.

Anyone who takes on a position of responsibility as a leader will feel pretty self-important at first.

No doubt – Scout leader training is invaluable, as are the selfless folks who volunteer to train their fellow Scouters (thank you if you do!) I recommend you take advantage of every training opportunity possible.

During his lifetime Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the worldwide Scouting movement, wrote many books and articles directed to Scouters.

If I could speak to myself 25 years ago when I became a Scoutmaster here is what I would say: Learn as much as you can from training and reading.

Sir Ernest Shackleton’s board of review for the rank of World Explorer assembled one evening and began reading over his application and supporting documentation.

Pascal’s ideas are important for anyone in a position with the force of authority.

Is there really a difference between outdoor leadership and leadership in other situations? To my mind just about everything we do in Scouting hinges on how you answer that question.

Sometimes all we need to solve our biggest problems is a slight shift in attitude.

Gather wood, prepare tinder, kindling and fuel.

The Center for Creative Leadership identifies seven critical leadership skills: Leading by motivating directing, delegating, managing Strategic planning.

You Make a Difference.

From an (anonymous) list of Troop Rules posted on the web: Troop Chairs chairs are a privilege, not a right.

Here’s fifteen thoughts for Scout leaders that I hope you find helpful.

In my experience there are five basic phases in the process of leadership development.

Essayist and Critic William Deresiewicz delivered a lecture to the plebe class at the United States Military Academy at West Point in October 2009 concerning Solitude and Leadership .

Earnest Shackleton set out to cross the Antarctic on foot in 1914.

Frankly mission statements (and the other magic spells of the management alchemists) make me a little nauseous.

As a director of a Scout Camp I was familiar with inspections.

There is a difference between a manager and a leader.