By: Pam Watson Korbel- Interim Executive and Corporate Director and CWCC Member
100 years ago this month an infamous American woman Juliette Gordon Low founded the Girl Scout organization when she held the first troop meeting in her home in Savannah, GA. Since, more than 50 million girls and women have proceeded through the Girl Scout program in the United States.
As I reflect upon my own experience, I think Juliette would be thrilled with the impact she made on the history of women, especially their leadership roles in the twenty-first century.
“Leadership is essential to getting things done. But the qualities of good leaders—self-knowledge, commitment, willingness to look to others for support, being open to change, and a desire to go the extra mile—can determine whether anyone chooses to follow.” As quoted in Leader magazine, Fall 2004, published by Girl Scouts of the United States of America.
These values, now embedded in the Girl Scout program, provide the seeds of wisdom any leader should embrace.
Technology, media, politics and globalization may all drive new directions for our culture. But the foundations of leadership as espoused by Juliette Gordon Low will remain the standards for success of individuals and organizations.
A 50-year Girl Scout, Pam Watson Korbel is an Interim Executive, Corporate Director and Philanthropic Leader. She can be reached through her company SmartGrowth, Inc. at 303-906-4144 and pam@smartgrowth.com.