Here are twelve ways to know if you are a leader:

1. You long to make a difference.
2. You’re discontent and dissatisfied with the status quo.
3. You’re not waiting on a bigger staff or more resources to accomplish your vision.
4. Your dreams are so big they seem impossible.
5. You acknowledge what is but inevitably ask, “What could be?”
6. You realize that you don’t have to be in charge to have significant influence.
7. You refuse to blame others for your circumstances and take responsibility for finding solutions.
8. You foster unity by bringing people together and encouraging dialogue.
9. You are quick to say, “I messed up. Here’s what I am going to do to fix the problem I created.”
10. You value relationships more than tasks.
11. You walk your talk—not perfectly but sincerely and intentionally.
12. You are a learner. You read, listen to podcasts, attend conferences, and ask other leaders lots of questions.

At what point in your life is it comfortable to be alone?

I am kept awake at night praying for my son to make friends at his new school, but I sit alone most days doing my work.

I know who my friends are. I know who I can call to grab a beer, see a movie or play racquetball.

But my heart is heavy for my kids to find friends. Friends who take them for who they are, what they believe and who they want to become.

How do we help our kids find friends and instill in them it’s OK to be alone?

Last week I attended a Boy Scout meeting to celebrate some achievements my son was receiving. I was prepared for a long boring meeting, but I was completely surprised.

I sat down and prepared for a long evening of some old guy going on-and-on-and-on. I’ve noticed that when a volunteer adult leader has a microphone, things take twice as long. I was shocked when a high-school boy kicked off the meeting with a robust “Everyone please stand for the pledge of allegiance.”

After that was complete he stayed up there and added two more boys to help him the evening program.

I looked around the room and all of the “leaders” were sitting spread out around the seats involved with the kids.

I started dreaming about how this model of leadership was important to the Boy Scouts and how well I saw it playing out in front of me. The group of three boys worked together to hand out over 120 awards and did a wonderful job, never being interrupted by an adult. They floundered a bit but kept on going. It gave me hope that my son would be learning from these boys.

Then I wondered about all my friends in youth ministry and how their “meetings” run. I started to picture how the leader is up front, kids are seated, and adults are huddled together in some corner of the room. Now I realize that’s a gross generalization, but I don’t think it’s too far off.

Encouraging kids to be up front leading and working alongside adults is a huge life skill that will pay dividends.

I wonder how many youth workers could learn something from a Boy Scout troop.