Leadership demand's we *move onward and upward! ------------------------------------------------------ *Cdr.Johnnie used to tell a story of a Texas cowboy who was riding far from the ranch on horseback when he was set upon by a sudden blizzard... Try as he might he could not outrun the storm, and began to fade from the cold and wind.. His only hope was to stay in the saddle and go on.. until it was impossible in the white out to see his way... He said a prayer and let go of the horses reigns.... slumped over and held on to his horses neck... The horse plodded on and in time came to a stop! The Cowboy thought he would die.. but as he raised his head... to his amazement he and the horse were standing right at the ranch house! *Of course he took care of the horse first!- but it was with joy that he had been saved from death! --------=+=-------- *I heard that story from National Cdr.Richard Marriot at NTC! ...and what it means to me today is this: As our program changes to 12 planned 10 step meetings laid out for us to facilitate per quarter... *My "burden" of planning meetings will be lifted and laid to rest with you... in unity of purpose, and combined language. This release of "burden" should free me to develop the other portions of my "ministry" as a councilor and a Adult leader.. *What I do is my choice.. but if I am prudent I will work to lift the "Morale" of my outpost by any means.. The new program is meant to "ease" the preparation, but NOT THE JOB of guiding Royal Rangers down the lifetime adventure of preparing them to make ethical choices for the full development of their potential. To do that- I suggest "letting go of the reigns, and let God guide us to a new *vision" BUILDING BOY LEADERS- The true job of Commander is to be an ADVISOR! You are the trainer, the coach, the advisor to the Outposts boy leaders and in fact the senior leadership for the Outpost. If the boys see you dealing the "power" they will submit and not step up to the mark of leaders.. Your job is to find a way to raise the "Morale" of the Outpost and shift the "core" perception of leader to Sr.guide and his "staff"... *Insist that the Sr.Guide is the leader "in charge"... at every opportunity, back this to other adults and boys by saying: "It's not my Outpost- it's Sr.Guide Josh who is the boss- *I just open or lock the doors for him" This is a radical thought- and action to take! It's not enough to just say it, you have to ENFORCE that policy in all areas (*except safety and youth protection issues) When a RRanger comes to you for permission or to get a sign-off you must respond: "I don't know if I'm allowed before getting it cleared by Sr.Guide" "Have you talked with your patrol guide or Sr.guide?" ...only sign those things that require a Commander to sign<G> *if possible build all forms to require Sr.guides signature under yours! Have Sr.Guide hold regular patrol leader meetings outside of the Ranger meeting to build leadership and authority among the boys.. Hold it where ever it's easy and available to everyone involved. Make it simple but productive with rules of order,an agenda and stick to it<G> *Let them fail! but encourage them to not give up! *Support them as they "try their wings" by giving constant encouragement but at the same time be aware of issues of safety and youth protection as well as moral enforcement of good behavior- (Bullying for instance).. Give them the tools.. make them ready through training and example then have the other Adult leaders standing by to ready to help back the boy leaders. *When the new meeting plans arrive- hand them to your best Ranger (*Sr.Guide) then find a seat in another room with a coffee pot, and talk with other adults who join you there about family-current events and anything of intrest<G> *When the feeling arrives "I wonder how it's going" say aloud: *I have confidence in my Boy Ranger leaders that if anything of importance comes up someone will come get me<G> *You may hear noises and crashes... you do not always need to rush back to re-gain control, as it may have been a test to see if you are in fact letting go of the reigns!<G> They want to push your buttons to wrestle control with you<G> RESIST! "Unless you guys are burning the building down, you don't need my permission to do the program.. If you want me to watch, then tell me so... if you want me to run tonight's meeting then invite me in advance like you would anyone you respect!" If a ranger asks you what your job is, tell them: "I'm Commander- I'm doing what I'm supposed to do! I sit around, observe from a distance, making sure you guys have it under control and don't kill each other<G>" *Letting go of the reigns won't be easy! But doing it will enforce your word that you trust them to lead, and will free you to do other tasks as needed to better the Outpost! (see LTC training 1-5) *Because you are no longer the "man in charge"... Let Go of those reigns! and let the power of the Lord lead us to a safe harbor from the storm! To build leaders- *Be a leader! Cdr.-=A=-
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