Leadership

I've been reading a lot about leadership lately; there are a couple of books that examine the leadership abilities and techniques of some of our country's leaders (George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Paine, and others) and explaining how contemporary leaders can develop their qualities and use their techniques here and now.  There are a few common traits that all great leaders have.

Leaders learn. They can learn from their successes and from their mistakes.

Leaders listen to what people have to say.  They realize that they have to talk to the people they lead and they are not afraid to go and find out what people think and what they want.

Leaders work.  They put in the time and effort to do a good job.  Sometimes extra time and extra effort.

Leaders set goals.  They can look at the whole situation, tell what's important and what's unimportant, and see what needs to be done.

Leaders are persistent.  Once they have a goal they continue to work towards it.

Leaders inspire trust.  Or, in the words of the Scout Law, they are Trustworthy.  You know that you can depend on them.

Next week we'll be holding Troop elections.  We've held nominations tonight.  I want you to think about these guys who have been nominated.

Who do you think will be the best leader?

Contributed by:

Mark W. Arend, Scoutmaster

Troop 736

Beaver Dam, Wisc.