It has been stated that “all good leaders have one thing in common…they connect with people!” When analyzing that statement this speaks to our roles as Commissioners in Sam Houston Area Council. During the 100th year of Scouting, our Commissioner team has the opportunity to improve and expand our commitment to Scouting through recognizing The Law of Connection as being a linchpin to our success. Most of us have heard the expression, “To lead yourself, use your head. To lead others, use your heart!” John C. Maxwell, in his book The 21 Most Powerful Minutes in a Leader’s Day uses this expression as a part of his philosophy on leadership. John’s long history of effective sales and motivational management addresses this subject in great success. Here are some thoughts from John’s book.

• Get Beyond Ourselves- In gratitude for good fortune, it is our responsibility to give of ourselves to others….symbolic of unit commissioner service to units each month.
• Grow Beyond Ourselves – Mahatma Ghandi wrote, “The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would solve most of the world’s problems”. In order to grow beyond ourselves, our responsibility is humility and willingness to give.
• Give Beyond Ourselves – Life’s most urgent and persistent question for leaders is, “What are you doing for others?”
• Go Beyond Ourselves – This phrase speaks to making a difference in the lives of people whom we have never met. Does this not speak directly to Unit Service? We frequently communicate with unit leaders/ committee chairs and committee members and charter partners about the values of Scouting and the tools that we offer to make unit programs more successful. It is rare that in our unit commissioner role, we connect with youth at the unit level. However, when we genuinely touch the lives of Scouting’s front line leaders over a period of time with our monthly unit commissioner service, we are indeed “going beyond ourselves” and making a difference in the future of America.

We have recently experienced the Minute Maid Park celebration of Scouting’s 100th birthday and been an important part of that evening, with over 60 Commissioners assisting in the success of this event. Next up is the Scout Fair at Reliant Arena on April 24. At this year’s Fair we have the opportunity to “go beyond ourselves and give to others” through the Scout Uniform Exchange. Pay special attention to this March’s SquareKnotNotes for details on how we can expand this program Council Wide and impact Scouting throughout our Council. THIS IS A TERRIFIC EXAMPLE OF THE LAW OF CONNECTION. Get, Grow, Give and Go! Four points to expanding The Law of Connection.

Until the next campfire……
Stan Stanley
Council Commissioner