I recently read an interview in the February issue of “Real Simple” magazine with Anna Maria Chavez, the current CEO of the Girl Scouts of the USA. I was stunned to learn that 70% of the women in the U.S. Senate had been a Girl Scout and 50% of the women in the U.S. House had been a Girl Scout. In fact, all of the former female secretaries of state had also been Girl Scouts.
Whether you are a high-level government figure, a new leader or a CEO, Girl Scouts teaches leadership applicable to anyone. Here are four lessons that I learned in my seven years in the Girl Scouts.
Responsibility, Accomplishment & Recognition – Whether doing the work required to earn a badge or selling cookies door-to-door, Girl Scouts teaches the importance of taking responsibility. It emphasizes the ability to finish what you start and the value of recognition. As leaders, your ability to set expectations, provide the appropriate resources and then expect and support responsible action and follow-through is key to motivating your team to take responsibility and finish what they started. Capping that accomplishment with recognition is what makes the effort worthwhile and inspires more responsibility and accomplishment.
Relationships & Collaboration– I remember lots of team activities in Girl Scouts. There were contests, games, and working collaboratively toward earning a badge. Human beings are built to be in relationship with one another. This does not mean that we are all best friends; however, as a leader, it is important that you build relationships with those who work for you and encourage a spirit of trust and commitment to one another – a hallmark of Girl Scouts.
Adventure – The first time I ever camped out or built a fire was in Girl Scouts. There is something exhilarating about being exposed to new things in a safe environment and being trusted to learn what is there to learn. I am not suggesting a ropes course in the workplace. I am, however, suggesting that you let people step out of their comfort zone. Allow them to experiment or stretch their capabilities in doing something new or to innovate.
Fun – I don’t remember much about Girl Scouts that was not fun. Still, fun in the Girl Scouts included learning a broad range of new skills and knowledge – from lighting that aforementioned fire to how to get along with all kinds of people. Fun should be part of your language as a leader. Laughter engages people and can lower stress. Working in a fun place encourages creativity and productivity and gives permission for people to be themselves.
Through its variety of experiences, Girl Scouts ultimately teaches accountability, an important lesson for the leader in us all.
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