If We Could All Be Like Boy Scouts

I just spent 2 nights camping with scouts … someone get me a huge mug of java and two aspirin!!!

Aside from the obvious crick in my neck from sleeping on rocks and roots, I took something useful away from the experience.

Wouldn’t we all be better off if we were more like scouts?  Think about how successful you and your organization would be if you were more:

 

Trustworthy: If a scout says, “On my honor, it is so,” that means it is so.  In our industry, in this time in history, what could possibly be more important?

Loyal: A scout will stick with you through thick and thin.  If that means we need to restructure a loan to help someone make ends meet, so be it.

Helpful: When in difficulty to know which of two things to do, scouts ask themself, “Which is best for other people?”

You see where this article is going.  Now imagine a world were we all follow the rest of Scout Law as:

• Friendly
• Courteous
• Kind
• Obedient
• Cheerful
• Thrifty
• Brave
• Clean
• Reverent 

As you move further into your day and attack the remainder of this month and conquer the rest of the year, please try to be more scout-like and to do what you can to move your institution that way too.

Take care,

Eric

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Community Service Lessons from the Boy Scouts

This year the Boy Scouts of America are commemorating their 100th Anniversary and, to celebrate, they have created a program that we all can learn from.

They have created a Centennial Award. It is a special patch with slots for 5 ribbons - each ribbon signifies completion of achievements in a particular category:

• Leadership
• Achievement
• Community Service
• Character
• Outdoors

To earn a ribbon, a scout (or adult leader) must complete 3 of 5 specific tasks.

So, how would this work at your institution?

You could create a program for your staff and for your customers/members. You can create any categories you like, but let's use Community Service, since it makes the most sense. How about outlining the following standards:

1. Participate in one American Red Cross or Habitat for Humanity project
2. Donate food or time to any local food bank
3. Volunteer at least 1 hour to any local high school function
4. Participate in or donate to the American Cancer Society Relay for Life
5. Organize a litter pick up in your neighborhood

After completing any 3 of the 5 activities above, your customer or staff member get honored in some way.

Don't make it too complicated, base the program on the honor system and take their word for it. The idea is simply to motivate people to participate, not to create a program-policing nightmare.

By creating standards in areas like Community Service, Leadership and Financial Fitness you can have a complete program that would surely effect your community for the better and provide your bank or credit union with unique and positive public relations.

And in this time of negative publicity for financial institutions, wouldn't now be a great time for some good-will in your neighborhood?

Take care,

Eric