100 Years

A couple weeks ago, I saw a Boy Scouts of America bumper sticker attached to a vehicle in the nearby parking lot.  I was immediately filled with a contented nostalgia.  You see, the BSA was established in 1910 … this year is its one hundred year anniversary.  Having gone through the program for the greater part of seven years, I feel a deep and personal investment in the lessons and experiences from that time in my life.

Coupled with what I’ve been recently reading, I’ve been thinking about the most important lessons that I’ve taken away from my time in the BSA.  Don’t get me wrong, all the knots, recipes, and wet-weather tricks are quite useful … they just aren’t the most important or consistently applicable.

1.  When in a position of leadership, titles mean nothing. The concept of positional power is a starting place.  When you are technically “in-charge” of an outing, group of boys, or project, simply asserting authority on the basis of title is an insufficient basis for meaningful experiences.  Essentially, “because I said so” is not enough of a justification.  You have to demonstrate your willingness to be a leader by being the first to serve and sacrifice.  Leadership means leading by example.  It also means developing a relationship, not a petty dictatorship.

2.  Expectations are powerful. What people expect you to do and be able to accomplish has a direct impact on how they treat you and your work.  If people in your troop expect you to get a job done, your responsibilities only tend to increase.  If you aren’t expected to accomplish anything, you often aren’t assigned anything.  I used to be tasked with bringing pots and pans to our cookouts.  Eventually, it was just assumed that I’d bring the pots and pans.  Changing who was bringing the gear required an extra level of communication and clarity because of the simple power of expectations.  Being aware of and willing to communicate about what expectations I have of other people (realistic and unrealistic) as well as the expectations other people have about myself is a vital tool.

3.  There are those that do and those that don’t. Boy Scouts has a very specific progression of ranks.  Requirements are laid out in advance.  Everyone who begins the program has the same list of items that need to be fulfilled.  Yet, not everyone completes the program to the level of Eagle Scout (although most everyone who participates garners some benefit from the experience.)  Motivation is separate from the structure of a program.  You can’t build dedication into the program.  You can provide incentives and opportunities, but the separation between those that accomplish and those that don’t eventually comes down to a question of personal and individual willpower.  It is worth recognizing those people all throughout life that are driven and motivated.

4.  Take advantage of the opportunities around you. No real explanation required.  There is a world of excitement all around us, if only we will see it and engage with it.

I loved my time in the Boy Scouts of America.  It was a great place of community, challenge, learning, growth, and fun.  In examining all that I’ve learned from my time in Troop 1506, I’m incredibly thankful for all that I’ve experienced and learned about life, leadership, service, and influence.  That, and the fact that I can cook a mean pot of Top Ramen.