Adapting Scouting Skills to Your Shop

A common factor among all of us in achieving our goals— whether personal or business—is our past associations, which have helped us grow into the people we are today, whether they are religious, family, social, community, industry or charitable associations.

Many of the folks I have met in this industry over the past 30 years have similar background and associations—one of which is the Eagle Scouts. And what we were taught as scouts has helped us in our personal and business lives. The key qualities that are honed as scouts translate well into the business world:

• Trustworthy: gains confidence and respect of humanity—family, friends, colleagues and customers.
• Loyal: builds strong relationships, so that both parties can benefit from each other.
• Helpful: knows the real joy in life; doing things for others and not oneself.
• Friendly: develops lasting friendships, which provides an opportunity to share problems and accomplishments in an environment where feedback is welcome.
• Courteous: listens to the older generation, gleaning knowledge from their business experience.
• Kind: understands they have been entrusted to teach the younger generation to show true concern for others.
• Obedient: sets an example of good work and business ethics, and follows the law of the land.
• Cheerful: has a positive attitude and optimistic outlook in every area of life.
• Brave: has the strength and resolve to serve our country or stand up for someone when necessary.
• Thrifty: lives within a budget at home or at work while being a charitable giver to those in need.
• Clean: supports the green effort at home and work to keep our earth clean, recycles, focuses on renewable energy and conserves water and other natural resources.
• Reverent: shares values, provides a human check and balance system—a moral compass for each other.

If we simply adopt these principles in our associations with others in our homes, our communities, the workplace and our industry, the world will be a better place when we leave it to the next generation.