Operational Experience

Staff Leadership- Team Building

Strategy: A balance between leadership and management is critical. I believe in leading, motivating, inspiring people, and managing things. I am a firm believer in leadership by example and clearly understanding my staff’s barriers to success and working diligently to help them solve them.

Staff Leadership:

Recruiting –Identifying and recruiting is critical to the success of the organization, but more importantly, matching an executive with the characteristics of a particular district is paramount. I am constantly looking for high-quality candidates, committed to advancing the mission of the Boy Scouts of America. My recruitment methods are comprehensive and include marketing through a myriad of non-traditional means. Technology is critical to this effort. Working through various social networking channels, combined with college career fairs and internal recruiting incentives, has allowed us to build a unified staff focused on advancing a council vision.

Inspiring – Creating high expectations with a highly motivated work environment while uplifting staff spirits is the key to the success of the organization. I must make sure staff members know that I am engaged and interested in supporting every one of their endeavors. I also want them to understand that more than likely, I have been in their shoes, and by sharing in those experiences, a better team will develop. Team building is a high priority in advancing the mission of the Council.

Goal Setting – Converting the Mission and Council strategy into manageable and timely goals requires great effort and skill. I believe that the staff leader must provide clear direction and a system to maintain tracking along the way. As a Scout Executive, I have employed three elements to provide this direction that include planning conferences for major projects during the annual year, a well-defined calendar with proper backdating, and lastly, the use of tracking and progress charts in both electronic and flip chart formats.

Rewarding – I regularly practice direct and indirect recognition methods. I also believe it is important to understand what motivates someone and to reward them accordingly. Also, a proper method is important to me, including personal notes, which signify a higher investment in the individual. Taking time to personally thank someone for a job well done and to lift them will greatly affect staff morale.

Developing and coaching staff members is a primary focus of my staff leadership ideology. Certain daily responsibilities can be tasked however, a Scout Executive should be prepared to share the wisdom and experiences learned over time to grow talent. Ensuring that a proper calendar and work schedule are used by staff, along with an emphasis on good meeting preparation and attendance, provides a higher level of efficiency.

Scout Executive - Volunteer Relations Experience:

Customer Service is an essential part of our organization. I am committed to providing and ensuring that the highest level of customer service is delivered at all times. I am dedicated to making sure that my staff is visible and respected in the community and that our customers are our number one priority.

Champion will be one of my primary roles as Scout Executive. I work passionately to support my staff and volunteers and promote scouting in the community. I understand the importance of being the face of the entire council in every community.

Networking is the most critical role of the Scout Executive. I work hard to quickly become part of the community I serve. I also seek to multiply our networking ability by helping staff make critical connections throughout the communities we serve.

I have a tremendous drive and work ethic, and I take responsibilities seriously. I manage multi-tasking very well and recognize the important purpose Scouting has in the development of a child. My family understands that Scouting is a way of life and supports my work much like that of a church’s pastor.