Advice from the Top: Leaders need Scouts' qualities
— -- This story was originally published on July 20, 2008.
For 98 years, the Boy Scouts of America have been identified with leadership, and it was put to the test last month when a deadly tornado tore through a campsite in Iowa killing four Scouts. USA TODAY corporate management reporter Del Jones spoke to Chief Scout Executive Robert Mazzuca, 60, about the leadership lessons of Scouting from a business perspective. Following are excerpts, edited for clarity and space.
Q: What leadership lessons can we learn from the way the Boy Scouts in Iowa responded to the tornado disaster?
A: They put the needs of others before their own. They applied skills and knowledge in a disciplined and organized manner. It was what true leadership looks like.
Q: Sam Walton, Michael Bloomberg, Bill Marriott, Ross Perot and other CEOs were Eagle Scouts. Coincidence?
A: Hardly. Scouting builds people who are equipped to make ethical and good choices. It's not unusual to see the leaders of communities come out of Scouting. Our goal is not to teach someone to rub two sticks together and make a fire. But when you rub two sticks together and make a fire side by side with an adult of good character, you're going to learn about who you are and go on to lead men.
Q: When people of business discuss leadership, they use words such as vision, passion, charisma. Why do the Scouts use these 12 words: trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent?
A: Charisma and other personality traits may determine how far up the ladder you go, but the 12 points of the Scout Law define your character. If you don't have integrity, you're not a good leader no matter how charismatic.
Q: Which one of the 12 would you most recommend to a business executive?
A: (Pause). I think brave. You can't do the right thing and be effective without some courage.
Q: The Scouts are retooling as they head into their second 100 years. What changes are being made?
