1. CD - 47 University of Scouting – Jan. 10, 2009 Debbie Chesley, North District

2. What is the best way to strengthen a unit?  Strengthen the unit’s leaders.

3. WHAT IS COUNSELING?

4. Counseling is the ability to listen and react in a way that will help others solve their own problems and attain their potential.

5. Solve a problem Encouragement in a difficult task Help interpreting facts Resolving indecision or confusion. When should you counsel?

6. ELEMENTS OF GOOD COUNSELING

7. Provide a relaxed atmosphere

8. Listen more than you speak

9. Try to understand what a leader tells you

10. Let the leader know that you really hear what he or she is saying.

11. Do not give quick, easy advice.

12. Summarize the problem and help them organize their thoughts.

13. Support their thinking with further information and data

14. Encourage the leader to verbally review several solutions

15. Reflect feelings

16. Use positive body language

17. Be aware of your biases

18. Avoid making judgments

19. Avoid anger

20. Making Suggestions Often it’s better to offer a suggestion in the form of a question.

21. SCENERIOS

22. Additional Counseling Tips

23. Allow at least 30 to 40 minutes to discuss a major issue.

24. Don’t try to cover more than two key issues in a single session

25. Rehearse the session in your mind before the visit

26. Try to spend two-thirds of your time in a supportive behavior and one-third of your time in solving problems.

27. State things in a gentle, non-aggressive, and non-threatening way

28. Convey a “let’s solve this together” attitude

29. Don’t get frustrated - change often takes time.