This is the final installment of my thoughts regarding the difference you and I can make through thoughtful application of the expected behavior and thinking of scouts. You will recall that The Scout Law lays out 12 of these expectations and each is stated as a fact - an accepted truth that each scout is to live up to. The word 'is' plays a critical role as it leaves no opportunity for alternative behavior toward others. So let's look at the last 3.
Courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to overcome it.
- A. M. Gray, Commandant of the US Marine Corps (Warfighting)
Reverence is what we see of what others believe in and respect most
- Anonymous
This one is short and simple - there is coming a time in your career where your worth will be determined by the way you respond. How you react to the risks, how you act towards others and how you use the principles you care about the most to deal with it will leave a lasting legacy. Today's three tenets are sobering reminders that life is full of challenges. Work (or not), boss, kids (or not), wife (or not), friends, family - you name it, challenges are all around us. Your response to them is like your signature on everyday and every heart and mind you affect.
A Scout is Brave. There are some who will try to tell us they are not afraid and do not experience anxiety or times of doubt in themselves and their abilities. This is the western culture. "Never let 'em see you sweat" was a tag line for a deodorant product, but it says a lot about what we think people are supposed to do. Take your problems, put 'em in your pocket and go off in a corner and fight with them yourself. When you're all done come out and act like nothing ever happened. This is not bravery. Bravery is, in fact, acknowledging the things we are concerned about and wrestling them to the ground. Are you concerned about giving someone some difficult feedback? Are you worried about your job? Finding a job?
Your lack of confidence is likely not based on much but our own minds going to work on us and buying into the culture of negativity we see everyday. Fight it back, push it out and take one more step. You must also find someone you can confide in. Smile and tell yourself that you are exactly the right person to handle the situation - people are watching you and they need you - someone - to stand up and step into the breech.
A Scout is Clean. Okay, I don't think this means only to shower everyday and wear deodorant. I think this is about the places we let our feet, hands, ears and mind go. The old kids song song says (briefly) to beware where you let each of these go. Keep your company with people who raise you up and don't bring you down. If you happen to look around at lunch this week and find yourself among people complaining and knocking others down, you better find yourself some new lunch friends. Read something uplifting everyday.
A Scout is Reverent. We have to be about something bigger than ourselves. I once worked for a man who referred to the work we did as a 'noble purpose'. That stuck with me and engendered a focus on our clients - the nobility of it was helping them and focusing solely on what they needed. How often do you stop and think about the larger things your company is trying to become. Are you committed to, and do you speak respectfully and carefully about your firm's mission, strategy and operational execution? We, as leaders must inspire respect and commitment to the direction of our business and be able to explain the 'why's?" of it. If we can't, we must find something to do with a firm we can do that with. Develop an ability to generate that kind of commitment and loyalty to a cause. Your customers will benefit.
As I've been writing these last few days on the The Scout Law, I've found more than one opportunity to look inside my own professional life and challenge things I've felt, said and done. I hope I've given you that gift as well.
