Everything I learned in Girl Scouts
by Lee Ann Liska
I was honored as a Girl Scouts of Western Ohio Woman of Distinction a few years ago, and I was asked to share some of the lessons or “words of wisdom” that I’ve learned through my own experiences and through others. As I reflect, the five key ways that Girl Scouts help young adults thrive, are applicable and transferrable to every rising leader in general.
Girl Scouts is proven to help girls thrive in five key ways as they:
Develop a strong sense of self.
Seek challenges and learn from setbacks.
Display positive values.
Form and maintain healthy relationships.
Identify and solve problems in the community.
(Read the Girl Scout Difference here.)
The lessons I have learned throughout my career fit these key areas:
DEVELOP A STRONG SENSE OF SELF.
Maintain your financial independence so that you can make the best choices for you or your family. Invest in your own credit and savings accounts. Unexpected events in life happen and having choices about where you live and how you support your loved ones is essential.
Do something you are passionate about and believe in. We spend too much time at work to be unhappy in a role or to work for something we don’t believe in ourselves.
Pick great role models and mentors. Ask others to guide or sponsor your career. Mentors will evolve over time and will fulfill different work and personal needs.
