Tips for New Leaders
Parent Partnership

Tips for New Leaders

A LEADER'S DOZEN 12 GUIDELINES FOR EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP WITH KIDS

1) BE PREPARED

Group leaders who are effective know: (a) the expectations and limits of the environment; (b) their own strengths and shortcomings; and (c) the needs, fears, hopes and dreams of kids. Group leaders need to be ready to wear a variety of hats - surrogate parent, teacher, leader, helper, friends, listener, commander-in-chief - in order to be successful in helping kids develop. Youth leaders can best prepare for these different roles by accurately assessing what they do best and how they can help kids most.

2) PLAN AHEAD

Group leaders need to plan, organize and manage meetings, events, activities and projects in such a way as to minimize confusion, chaos and conflict. If even the best made plans go astray, what happens to the poorest of plans? Usually a lot of frustration for both leaders and kids. Proper planning includes: (a) involving kids in the planning process; (b) having all needed space, arrangements, materials, equipment, etc. ready ahead of time; and (c) knowing how to proceed when plans go astray (otherwise known as contingency planning).

3) RESPECT INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES

Group leaders need to remain aware that no two kids are alike and that all kids have their own preferences, peculiarities and positive qualities. Perhaps the most important thing a group leader can do in order to build a positive relationship with a kid is to remember and use that child's first name. Try to spend some time individually with each youngster and demonstrate your genuine concern for each kid whenever you can. Respect for individuals also includes respecting the diversity of racial, cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds.

4) GET KIDS INVOLVED

Keep kids involved in activities that they find interesting, they like and they have chosen. Offer a variety of activities; be sure to provide some time for vigorous activity to release physical energy. Balance active and quiet activities. Share your leadership and decision-making with kids.

5) STOP TALKING

Take the time to really listen. Encourage children to talk. Pay attention to nonverbal messages which may reveal hidden emotions. Practice reflective responding and respect a child's feelings. Use "I" statements to express your own feelings.

6) CATCH KIDS DOING SOMETHING GOOD

Reinforce positive behavior with your attention, praise, support and affection. If you let kids know that you feel good about their positive behavior, then they are likely to feel good about themselves and repeat the behavior.

7) HEAD THEM OFF AT THE PASS

Notice and deal with problem behavior when it first arises and is still manageable. Kids will often provide clues to emotional problems that may erupt into behavioral problems. Be sensitive to changes in mood and routine that may suggest a child is experiencing some sort of stress.

8) FOCUS ON THE BEHAVIOR AND ITS CAUSE, NOT THE CHILD

Describe what is happening calmly and non-judgmentally. The leader's goal is to help the child understand the cause of the problem and to resolve the problem in acceptable rather than unacceptable ways. The group leader's aim is not to fix blame, to make an example out of the child or to ignore the matter.

9) AVOID PROMISES AND THREATS

Neither promises nor threats work well because they usually do not address the causes of problem behavior. Often it is too difficult to follow through on either a promise or threat, and failure to do so results in a loss of credibility. Use natural and logical consequences instead.

10) BE CONSISTENT

While the leader needs to be sensitive to individual concerns and needs, kids in groups have a need for some constancy and consistency. In general, rules and standards should apply to all group members equally, including the leaders. Effective group leaders have a flexible style that is congruent with their values and abilities. Avoid extreme reactions, either overly strict or too casual, which creates confusion for kids.

11) TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

Be sure your own needs are being met. Try to keep your participation interesting and enjoyable. Take care of your health: eat right, exercise, get plenty of sleep - all those things we nag kids about. Stress can interfere with your effectiveness; learn to relax and ask for help.

12) MAINTAIN A SENSE OF HUMOR

Make youth leadership a joyous undertaking. Be lighthearted and less serious. Kids can be awfully amusing at times and it's better to laugh with them than to have them laugh at you. Expect some failures; nobody's perfect. But glory in your success, big and small. Remember: the best thing we can do for kids is care about them, everything else is icing.

Written by: Tim Jahn, Cooperative Extension Agent
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County

Parent Partnership
(or How to Get Those Parents to Help!)

Practical Suggestions for Involving Parents in Girl Scout Troop Activities

1. Let them know what is expected.

The best time to solicit parent support is when a troop is organized. But you can ask for help at anytime. Schedule a parent's meeting and let them know exactly what type of support they are expected to give. NO ARK Council's The Leader's Guide to Hosting a Parent's Meeting, given to all new troop leaders at VIP training, will help plan and conduct an effective parent's meeting step-by-step. (Experienced leaders - if you need more parental support and would like a copy of the guide, contact your membership specialist!)

2. Plan ahead.

You cannot expect parents to drop everything at the last minute to help you. Plan far enough ahead to ask for the specific help needed. Repeated last minute requests for assistance alienates parents and creates the impression that the troop or the leader is disorganized.

3. Communicate regularly

Parents who clearly understand that Girl Scouting is a family partnership, not a babysitting service, will support their daughter's efforts in the troop. So write a newsletter for the parents (and send a copy to your troop sponsor, while you're at it). Or have the girls write the newsletter for a more personal touch. Include future plans, troop activities, and upcoming events.

4. Encourage parents to register as members of the troop.

As registered members, they will take their roles as supporters and partners more seriously.

5. Have the girls participate in activities that involve interaction with parents at home.

Projects that involve discussing something with parents, interviewing parents, asking questions about family history or skills and hobbies bring Girl Scouting into family.

6. Schedule a few activities during the year that include parents.

Invite them to investitures, court-of-awards, and bridging ceremonies. Have a kickoff party or an end-of-year picnic. Plan a mother/daughter or father/daughter event to be hosted by your troop.

7. Thank them, thank them, thank them!

Thank them often. Thank them publicly. Thank them privately. Recognize ALL of them, not just the superstars. Letters, cards, certificates - all are great ways to show your appreciation for their support. Special recognition for those who have truly gone out of their way are also appropriate.