Much of what I write in this blog is a search for the essential qualities of great Scoutmastership. In truth these qualities are so simple that they can prove to be elusive and so transparent that we are in constant danger of missing them.
We are, after all, just people and thus subject to distractions, missteps and regressions. A considerable amount of effort is required to keep things pointed to 'true north'.
Unfortunately the nature of our work can all too easily turn us into jerks. I am a total jerk once in a while, but at least I have come to recognize the fact and either avoid or apologize for my jerkiness.
Take the time to read How a Scoutmaster Can Loose It at Ask Andy ;
It’s been documented in academic studies by professors Dachner Keltner and Deborah Gruenfeld at UC-Berkeley and Stanford, respectively, that the primary thing that happens when people are put in positions of power is that they start focusing more on satisfying their own needs than the needs of the group. The other thing that happens is that they begin to act as if “the rules” no longer apply to them. This sounds like “The Scoutmaster-as-world’s-oldest-Patrol-Leader” to me!
Check your motivations and actions constantly and work hard at avoiding being a jerk.
Recent Comments