Leadership Through Camp Counseling
Hi Everyone – it’s me Franky, the Camp WeHaKee dog! Thanks for joining me today! If you’re a college student, you are likely back home enjoying the holidays. You are no doubt appreciating some great home cooking, seeing hometown friends, and perhaps having someone else do your laundry. But you might also be cringing at hearing the age-old parental lament heard each break –“Have you got a job for the summer yet?“
Imagine if you could announce that you have a strong lead on a great job where you can earn a competitive wage, get free room and board, save virtually all that you earn, have no daily commute or parking costs, get to be outside during the best months of the year AND become a great leader! Well, that lead is right here – consider applying to become a camp counselor at WeHaKee Camp for Girls.
For more information about staff opportunities or to apply, click HERE!
It may seem to good to be true, but Stanley M. Bergman (Chairman of the Board and CEO of Henry Schein, Inc.)recently pinned an article where he strongly advocated the leadership qualities that camp counselors acquire working with children and young adults each summer. He, himself was a camp counselor in his college days and here are several lessons he learned that influence him to this day:
- Be Flexible, Nimble and Innovative: Like a counselor facing a bunk full of restless campers when the rain won’t let up, leaders must be flexible, nimble and innovative. Since change is the only constant, leaders must fully embrace the challenge of changing conditions, they must always look for new avenues for success, and they must be nimble enough to do what is necessary to engage the restless camper.
- Get Everyone on the Field: Great leaders are inclusive. They recognize the strengths and talents of each individual, and they encourage passionate participation to drive collective success. Being a good leader is not just about telling people what to do. It is about rallying the team to understand and believe your company’s goals and culture, and to feel a personal stake in the team’s overall success. Likewise, a deep appreciation for a diversity of perspectives provides any leader with a rich tapestry of experience to draw upon.
- Be a Coach, Facilitator and Mentor: Team members look to great leaders for guidance and encouragement. Always take advantage of opportunities to share your knowledge with others.
- Tolerate Reasonable Risk and Teach How to Fail Successfully: As the great basketball player, Michael Jordan, once said, “I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can’t accept not trying.” Great leaders have a tolerance for reasonable risk-taking, and accept occasional failure as a learning opportunity. You can’t learn to swim without diving in.
- Celebrate Achievement: At Henry Schein, we firmly believe that, much like a great camp counselor, leaders know that celebrating success is important. We recognize exceptional work, which inspires each of us to think creatively about new ways we can help achieve our company’s goals. It also reminds us that we are all part of an extraordinary team of talented individuals, and that each of us adds a unique and valuable color to our collective picture of success.
Read more at Why Camp Counselors Make Great Leaders
Not quite sure about all this? Contact us anytime with your questions and concerns – we are always happy to help! Thanks so much for joining me today. Have a great weekend everyone!
