Leading By Example: How To Impress At The Helm

2 mins

Brilliant news! You’ve decided to dive into one of the most rewarding roles in Scouting and become a Leader! Whether you’re new to the neckerchief or a lifetime member of the Movement poised to pass on your know-how of knots and navigation, you are joining a nationwide network of around 100,000 volunteers that are vital to Scouting’s success. So, thank you.
If you have completed your Leader or Young Leader training, congratulations and welcome to the next stage of your Scouting adventure! And if you’re still plodding through the programme, there’s no harm in looking ahead so you can feel prepared and inspired to do a great job.
Some say half the battle in life is just showing up, but you’ll need to do a bit more to make a good impression in Scouting. So, before you rock up to your first meeting, quickly reflect on your responsibilities.
As a Leader, you should:

Be inspiring – share your energy, passion and commitment to Scouting.

Be positive and challenging – facilitate fun, challenge and everyday adventure.

Be inclusive – anyone who accepts Scouting’s principles can be a Scout.

Be surprising – use your unique ideas to shake up the routine.

Be prepared…
Oh yes, the Scout motto never gets old! As a new Leader, you’ll join a small team of adults, armed with unique skills, experience and some well-laid plans for the next few Scout meetings. Showing you are keen and willing will reassure the other Leaders that a dependable helping hand is on the way, so:

Find out what’s in store for your first session.

Ask what you can do to help them prepare.

Think how you can apply your own experience.

Dress to impress…

Never underestimate the power of first impressions. Lead by example and:

Look sharp!
A sloppy appearance suggests a sloppy attitude
Wear your uniform and scarf with pride
Keep it clean and in good condition

Take the helm

Good organisation and planning are essential to your section’s success, and the sooner you jump in the quicker you’ll gain confidence and credibility among your peers. But leading your first session doesn’t have to be daunting:

Choose a theme you are familiar with, such as a personal hobby or interest.
It’s easier to share knowledge and enthusiasm about something you enjoy!
Activities could be based around:
Creativity
Scouting skills
Teamwork
Health and fitness
Plan something the group has never done before.
Always ask for help when you need it.

You can also impress everyone with foresight by finding annual and/or global events that could inspire future activities – think St Andrew’s Day, Earth Day or International Talk Like a Pirate Day.

Set a standard and stick to it…
Weekly meetings can whiz by, so it’s important to help your fellow Leaders:

Start and finish on time

Arrive with plenty of time to set up, and stay until tidied away.

Lay out a clear plan for the meeting

Explain the activities, their purpose and outcomes.

At the end of the day…
You’re there to ensure the Scouts have fun (both indoors and outdoors), learn by doing, are responsible for their own choices, take on new and challenging activities, reflect on their own and others beliefs, and live by their Promise. The Scout Leader training guide says:
“Ability can be improved by giving experience, knowledge, and skills;
Willingness can be improved by giving encouragement and motivation.”
So, when the dust has settled, identify and praise positive behaviour within the section and then ask for suggestions for future meeting activities. Scouting is a youth led movement, and the more involved they feel, the more invested they will be.
Tools for the role as a new Leader…