As a Group Scout Leader you work with many different people in a variety of ways, to ensure high quality programmes are provided for the young people in the section of your group and that the leaders and supporters that run the weekly programme have the resources they need to deliver a high quality balanced programme.
You are a member of a team; you chair meetings; visit the sections, help plan and attend group events; support and motivate leaders and supporters.
You need to build good relationships with others; to be friendly and supportive; to be helpful and positive; to encourage others. You need to encourage teamwork, a willingness to share and to work together for the benefit of young people. This applies to whoever you are working with; the District Commissioner, a group of leaders, the Group Secretary or the Local Training Manager.
Getting on with others
Adults join scouting because it is fun. It is also a constructive way to help young people.
Very few people stay if they are unhappy, so getting on with others is vital! To some it comes naturally, but for many a few tips and pointers are helpful.
If people are getting on, the atmosphere is positive, helpful, supportive and friendly tasks get done quicker and better and people are more willing to help. In short, it is enjoyable and fun.
To achieve this atmosphere people must feel involved; they need to know what is going on and why. They need to feel comfortable, secure and able to achieve; communication needs to be effective and people need to be motivated.
Communications
Later in this handbook there is a section on planning for good communication but it’s always worth remembering:
• Communication needs to be two ways;
• Passing on information and ideas and listening to responses;
• Talk to people, not at them;
• A phone call or face to face chat goes a long way;
• You can’t do everything by email;
• Establish and maintain regular contact with people;
• Involve people in items, meetings and events;
• It is what you say and how you say it that matters;
• Gestures, facial expressions, body position all say something about what you are saying and how well you are listening;
• Be friendly and receptive to ideas;
• Be approachable.
