Tip #203: Shut Up or Pay Up

One of the biggest challenges troops face in developing youth leaders is getting the adults out of the way. If things get the least bit out of hand at a troop meeting, for example, we adults are far too quick to step in, shout “Sign’s up,” restore order – and totally undermine the senior patrol leader’s authority.

Unfortunately, nobody has figure out a way to fix the problem – until now. I have an idea that I think would work. Although I feel good about it, I haven’t implemented it, so I’d love to hear from you if you give it a try.

The idea is to adapt the concept of the “cuss jar” that some people use to break bad habits. Here’s how the idea works: Get a big jar and label it “Never Send a Man to Do a Boy’s Job.” Cut a slot in the lid, and put the jar in a prominent place in your meeting room. Then, challenge each of your youth and adult leaders to be on the lookout for instances where an adult leader undercuts a youth leader’s authority. The fine: a quarter (or a dollar – whatever the market will bear). When you reach a designated amount of money, order pizza or ice cream for a PLC meeting.

Will the idea work? I don’t know, but it seems to me it offers a fun alternative to confronting that adult who just can’t get out of den leader mode. Give it a try, and let me know what happens.

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