What a Great Team!
Working Well With Your Co-Leader

By Marianne Ilaw

Sometimes they resemble an Olympic skating duo — an image of seamless grace and strength as they complement each other. At other times, they're like a married couple that quarrels and huffs and then makes up before the kids find out. At their best, they mimic a pair of sidewalk jugglers, closely watching each other's moves, ready to step in and catch any wayward balls. Waxing poetic about co-leaders? Why not?

Whether you're leading a troop of energetic kids or working with a fussy skating partner, teamwork, commitment and trust are essential. As volunteer Janelle of Girl Scouts-Mile Hi Council in Denver points out: "Being a good co-leader is like being in a good marriage or strong relationship. You understand each other and realize what's important to your partner. If you have two people who can't get along or don't communicate, it's difficult to be productive."

Ruth, who leads Junior Girl Scout Troop 2133 with Janelle says proudly, "We work well together, even though we are two different people. I am the get-up-and-go type; Janelle does meeting and activity planning. But we are both outdoorsy. It's important not to feel you need to be in control all of the time. Respect is key."

Family Ties

That respect is important, even if co-leaders are related. Especially if it's a mother-daughter team. Janise, a dedicated troop leader for 15 years who's been honored for her community service, welcomes daughter Laurise's assistance. Bright, bubbly college-student Laurise is not officially her mom's co-leader. But as a member of the troop committee, she often helps out with the Junior Girl Scouts her mother leads on sunny St. Croix, Girl Scout Council of the U.S. Virgin Islands. "I love Mom's Junior troop," she said. "She is an outstanding leader. I like helping out and I enjoy the energy of the kids. We do arts-and-crafts, sailing and camping in the island's rainforest."

The first Girl Scout on St. Croix to complete all five age–levels, Laurise gets involved in troop activities during her school breaks from college in New York. Laurise is an accomplished player of the steel pan, a Caribbean percussion instrument made from discarded oil drums, and tries to interest the girls in taking up the craft.

Janise, a nurse, rounds up Girl Scout volunteers at the school where she works. "My assistant leader is involved with her daughter's activities," she explained, so sometimes she is called away. I rely on Laurise. It is definitely easier to work with your own daughter, and I'm waiting for her to finish college and take over my troop!"

Conscientious Co-Captains

Rosie, a Senior Girl Scout troop leader in Girl Scouts – Lone Star Council (Austin, Texas), also relies on her daughter, 16-year-old Alma, for inspiration. "My girls started as Brownies," she says proudly. "Now, they are talking about careers and leadership. After my daughter graduates, she says she wants a troop of her own."

She and co-leader Barbara have a strong relationship. "I think we balance each other out," Rosie reflected. "She was my daughter's fourth-grade teacher and she has great organizational skills; I get the work done. When she joined us, it was the best thing that could have happened to our troop!"

"Our troop is very diverse," she explains, "so we share our cultures. And of course you have the girl dynamic — one minute they are hugging each other, the next they aren't speaking!"

Barbara laughs and agrees. "Yes, it's important knowing when to talk and when to listen. After ninth grade, girls have their own issues. We want to encourage them to make their own decisions. What's good is that we have two points of view, coming from different backgrounds."

The basic formula for smooth sailing with two conscientious co-captains is this: "You've got to talk with each other, work at conflict resolution and model that for the girls … and ultimately let the girls make decisions for themselves."

Tips for Effective Co-Leading

• Although they may have different personalities and leadership styles, both leaders should have something in common: for example, a love of the outdoors or a rah-rah attitude or a similar sense of humor. If they are total opposites, they may clash.
• Divvy up the chores: If you're a math whiz, assume the bookkeeping responsibilities for the troop. Your partner can be the public relations genius, creating fliers and posters to spread the word about special events.
• Make sure that you have a parent who can step in quickly in case your co-leader is ill or called away. It is always good to have leader "understudies" familiar with the workings of the troop.
• Keep in touch outside of Girl Scouting. You don't have to be best friends, but your relationship will be more fluid if you get to know each other's families, neighbors or co-workers. It will also promote Girl Scout solidarity and teamwork and help attract other volunteers.

Adapted from LEADER, Spring 2003. © Girl Scouts of the United States of America.