Don't let it end

 If you grew up in the 1980s, you may identify the phrase "Don't let it end" as a Styx song, on the "Kilroy was Here" album. Sixth Session is nearly over. This year, for me, has gone incredibly fast.  I can't believe we are nearly done.

I wanted to wax phil-osophic on leadership. It is one of the most important aspects of Scouting, and yes, the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. We expect it from scouts who are considered for membership in the Tribe, as well as those advancing in the system. Most importantly, we expect it from those that shape the present and future of the program. So is "leadership" a one size fits all concept?

It is not, though some or even many may think so. Too often it is thought that by bringing people up along the same path, that the outcome is likely to be a similar style, if not a carbon copy of what has gone before. 

What about the leader that is the square peg? Do you go ahead and grab a bigger hammer, to force it into the round hole? That is one management style. It is a bad one, but too many organizations only see round holes. The result, of course, is that you either strip that unique individual of what makes them a leader, or, ultimately, you just bypass anyone that doesn't fit. The key is understanding that to utilize that square peg, you need to find a square hole. Trust me, every organization has one.

I have frequently mentioned that no one can burn bridges like I can (and have). Perhaps better said would be that people have seen leadership potential in me, but tried to fit me in the standard mold. In my career, I was respected by my peers, and by my immediate chain of authority, but the 2nd level up did not see me the same way. I learned to accept something that seemed impossible to change. I was going to be eligible to retire at the end of that year, and was burnt out on the system I was in.

But then...

When I interviewed for a job as a facility manager in a Service Area far away, I was hired, and given new life in my career. I had a boss that was located some 500 miles away. Such remote oversight required a manager that could lead, and demonstrate the accountability that comes with a long distance management system. She quickly learned that her trust was well placed, as we had never spoken prior to being accepted for the job. Deeper than that was that I was not her first choice, but after the interview, the panel making the recommendation was unanimous in choosing me. As a true leader, she went with the recommendation.

I find myself in a similar situation here at camp. I am the store manager, and while part of the Camp Geiger Staff, the hours and responsibilities of the job have isolated me from the camp power structure. They know that I can be relied on to do the job. Most of the isolation is self inflicted, admittedly, as there is always something that needs to be done so...

The situation is tailor made for my abilities. I am given free reign to run the store, and am counted on to run it in accordance with BSA policy, as well as the policy of the Pony Express Council, which owns the camp. It is when I venture away from my purview that I feel the strike of the hammer. Obviously, the need to conform is important, and to work within the established hierarchy is essential. If one doesn't, then there is only the title, and no one to lead. One with the ability to lead but no role struggles even to exist, let alone thrive. 

Of all the training that I have received, both in my career, as well as in Scouting, it is very clear, on paper, that finding that role for each individual that suits them is paramount. I said on paper, as the ideal and the doing may be two completely different paths. A good leader recognizes the strengths and weaknesses of their team. A great leader places team members in roles based on those strengths.

In scouting, as well as on Staff, there are many different opportunities and ways to provide leadership to the current and future generations of scouts. Some are well suited to present a show, some to deal with logistics, and others to run the store. The key is trying to put pegs into like shaped roles, and not force them into one that is not a match. I feel that I am in a good spot right now.

While many have ran the Trading Post over the years, few have enjoyed it, or even made it their job of choice.  Well, I am a contrarian after all, when it comes to leadership style, so...

For more on the Contrarian Leader http://pamedicalcannabisindustrygroup.org/wp-content/blogs.dir/741/files/2013/01/The-Contrarians-Guide-To-Leadership.pdf

It has been a tough summer for those leading the camp. It has been a manageable summer here at the store.  Is this the end of the blog for the year? Who knows...