How Great Leaders Solve Problems

Girl Scouts look to their leaders for direction and support with brainstorming, evaluating, and choosing solutions. Troop leaders should be knowledgeable to help the girls solve problems creatively and effectively!

On Monday, March 13, the Volunteer Training and Resource team hosted How Great Leaders Solve Problems to help volunteers understand problem-solving and how to positively reframe their mindset to view problems as opportunities for growth and change!

Volunteers also learned best practices to implement which will empower Girl Scouts to break the barriers of limited thinking and come up with creative solutions, especially when working on a Take Action project for the Highest Awards.

Here are the best practices and some examples that were discussed!

Invite different perspectives. When four Girl Scouts are working on the Silver Award, they should discuss their ideas as a group. They should also meet to discuss ideas with other members of their troop, their peers, and adults in their lives, like their teachers, coaches, or parents, so they can gain different insights about how to address the problem they want to solve!

Allow time for individual brainstorming. When a troop wants to earn the Bronze Award, let the girls independently think about the project and solutions before coming together as a larger group!

Judgement-free brainstorming. When the troop comes together to discuss their Bronze Award project, allow the girls to discuss all their ideas. Nothing is silly, off-the-wall, or unlikely. As the leader, defer judgment if you notice it happening because the girls will become less likely to take risks if they fear criticism!

Switch up your environment. New and different locations can reenergize the girls and open their minds to new thoughts. If the troop usually meets at school, try holding a meeting at the library or the park. Invite the girls to a restaurant to discuss ideas over dinner. No change is too small.

“Yes, and…” Troop leaders should be mindful of how they speak with Girl Scouts about their ideas. This can impact creativity and help girls to expand their thoughts further! Instead of saying no to ideas, try reframing! “Yes, and then we can approach the Take Action project using these steps.” It is also a great technique for Gold Award mentors to use.

Find a balance between creative and analytical thinking. Analytical thinking is as important as creative thinking! Have open and honest conversations with Girl Scouts about their ideas. Discuss if finances are involved, if there are any risks and the short and long-term impact

Whether Girl Scouts are working on a badge, Journey, or the highest awards, encourage the girls to get creative with problem-solving to identify innovative strategies! These practices can also be applied to adults in personal, professional, or volunteer experiences.

To learn more skills that enhance the volunteer experience and for a chance to connect with other Girl Scout volunteers, attend GSNC's Volunteer Connections meetings! The Zoom meetings are held on the second Monday of each month from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM. For more information and to register for upcoming meetings, visit www.gsnc.org/events.