Leadership

Be Prepared!

By Robert Gerrish

Updated on: August 5, 2008 / 6:50 PM EDT / MoneyWatch

Be Prepared, one of the most famous mantras, was coined by Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scouting Movement.

Today (1 August) is World Scout Day and many lessons in innovation can be drawn from an organisation that started 101 years ago and has touched the lives of so many people.

Staying relevant in a constantly changing world and absolute clear purpose/focus (i.e. supporting young people in their development so that they may play constructive roles in society) are key drivers for innovation.

The Scout Motto, BE PREPARED, means you are always in a state of readiness in mind and body.

Be Prepared in Mind by having disciplined yourself to be obedient to every order, and also by having thought out beforehand any accident or situation that might occur, so that you know the right thing to do at the right moment, and are willing to do it.

Be Prepared in Body by making yourself strong and active and able to do the right thing at the right moment, and do it.

In 2007, Scouting and Guiding together had over 38 million members in 216 countries. Not just those interested in social entrepreneurship should study not-for-profit organisations in how to be innovative over the long term.