Generation Y: What if We Tried Scout Management?

(Paris, Genève/WSBERO) – In one of his recent articles on his blog, French TV and radio journalist David Abiker reflected on the Generation Y, commonly understood as covering people born during the 80s and 90s of the last century. He wondered whether it was worth trying out the Scout management method on a larger scale.

Here is a rough translation of his thoughts:

“I was never a Scout myself but when I see this abundance of articles, conferences, books, studies and surveys about the Generation Y, I can only see one single solution: ask them how one manages young people”, he starts his reflections and continues looking back on his own childhood and adolescence.”

“When I was young, I feared to be enlisted in the Scout Movement. I was afraid that they would discover that I did not pray and I hated physical exercises. But with time and experience, I started to observe their mode of operation.”

“The Scouts are a curious bunch of people. You entrust them your offspring for a couple of Euros with a rucksack and packed lunch and when you get them back 48 hours later, they are exhausted and dirty but happy. I have no idea what happens during those 48 hours.”

Young Scouts getting ready for their camp fire – (c) SGDF 2012

“But what I do know is that it’s a lot about responsibility, initiative, mutual support, sharing and fun. After all, it’s a programme much less hype than what I was able to hear or read about business plans presented with impressive colourful slides and projections at large conventions.”

“I also know that it appears to be fashionable young ones mock older ones who look after them on Sundays. And I know what I am talking about. Because I also made fun of them. Sorry for that.”

“In Scouting, it’s members of Generation Y who manage members of Generations Z and Z’. They are probably the ones who have the key to management of tomorrow (with or without praying, as – in France – there are religious and lay Scout Associations). And when I say key to management, I must laugh, because really, if today’s managers are paralysed by the idea of mentoring young 25 year olds, they should change job. Or get trained again. By the Scouts.”

We wonder, what you think? Do you agree? Is this a proper assessment from a non-Scout? Let us know!

Read David Abiker’s original blog post and the comments he received.
Find out more about Scouting in France on the website of Scoutisme Français.

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