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The Elevens Skills of Leadership
Submitted by Bob Docteur
Skill # 7
Representing the Group
With a knowledge of resources, skill in communicating, and an understanding of the characteristics and needs of the group and its members, the leader is prepared to represent the group.
Some steps are involved in representation. Before representing the group, it is important to get all of the facts available, decide on the nature of the situation, determine the group's reaction, and make mental or written notes. When representing the group to a third party, it is vital to give the facts; give the group's reaction, feelings, and position; respect opinions of other groups dealing with the third party; consider personality problems; and again make mental or written notes.
Then the third party's decision, attitude, or actions must be represented back to the group. Here it is important to again present the facts, explain the decision, and thoroughly represent the third party's attitude and opinion.
As a leader represents the group to the "outside world," the group begins to develop its own attitude, identity, and direction. The role of the patrol leader in sharing the interests and: desires of the patrol to the patrol leaders' council--and carrying out the decisions of the patrol leaders' council with the patrol members--is a classic example of representing a group in Scouting.
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