Defining moments. I am 11, slogging through knee-dep mud in the middle of a week-long, Boy Scout 50-mile hike on the Pacific Crest Trail. And yet I am upbeat, positive and happy.It’s been raining the entire week. We’re soaked. My buddies are down. They want a bright spot, something to look forward to, someone to follow. I have realized I can choose my attitude. I can choose to be positive and lead the way through an especially challenging time.The sole of my boot separates from the leather. We pool limited resources to create a solution to keep going. Adapt. Improvise. Overcome. You define the moment or the moment defines you.We funded our activities by selling Christmas trees each year. People told us they came from all around Seattle to buy from us because they felt a relationship with us, with someone who had been in our troop or with our organization. We quickly learned the value of customer service and maintaining those relationships. Those were some of the many qualities I developed in my Eagle Scout journey. Attributes that shaped me into who I am today. Talents that helped me understand how to build and lead strong and winning teams, recognize and deal with challenges, navigate new terrain, help others succeed, and how I can be of service. Qualities that inspire and define me.Today’s skill strengths: Leadership – Team building – Coaching – Inspiring – Strategic thinking – Negotiation – Empathy – Compassion – Listening – Appreciative – Creativity – Flexibility – Curious – Competitive – Perseverance
