The Power of Preparation: Lessons from a Boy Scout
Why “Be Prepared” Still Matters in Life and Work
“Be Prepared.” If you’ve ever been a Boy Scout—or known one—you’ll recognize those two simple words as the heart of the Boy Scout Motto. It's a phrase that sticks with you long after Scouting memories fade. As adults, whether in our personal or professional lives, the wisdom of these words becomes even more important. Preparation is not just about readiness for the unexpected; it's about respect for ourselves, our teams, and everyone we interact with.
I still remember my first real assignment as a young Scout. Our troop met in the local Lutheran church on Monday evenings, and everything felt new—my crisp green uniform, the nervous anticipation, and the steady presence of my Scoutmaster, Mr. Ricard. One evening, he called on me: “You’re up for leading the cooking demonstration next week.”
I nodded eagerly, but the truth was, I had no idea what to do. Over the next few days, I procrastinated, thinking I could just “wing it.” Next Monday came fast. Standing in front of my troop, with all eyes on me, I realized I wasn’t prepared.
Mr. Ricard didn’t step in to save me. Instead, he stood just behind me and said quietly, “Look at your materials. Think about what you need. And hurry.” His voice was calm, never impatient, but there was an urgency to his words. Once I had located my needed supplies, he guided me thru the next steps without offering solutions. I managed to stammer through the demo, learning more from my stumbles than any textbook could offer.
That experience was a turning point. I learned that preparation isn’t about perfection; it’s about respect—for the task, for the people depending on you, and for your own growth. Mr. Ricard taught by example, showing me that guidance matters, but so does letting someone find their own way. He gave me the gift of accountability and the space to learn.
This lesson has stuck with me through life, especially in business settings. Good preparation is a sign of respect for others' time. As one business leader put it, “Arriving prepared for a meeting shows you value everyone’s time, not just your own.” There’s nothing more frustrating—or disrespectful—than walking into a meeting or presentation unprepared.
Steve Jobs, renowned for his legendary presentations, took this principle to heart. He believed that for every minute of a presentation, you should spend 10 to 20 minutes preparing. If you’re speaking for 30 minutes, that means 5 to 10 hours of preparation. This level of commitment isn’t about overkill—it's about delivering something meaningful, polished, and worthy of your audience's attention.
The Boy Scout Motto isn’t just for the campfire or the hiking trail. It’s a guide for life. Whether you’re leading a team, making a pitch, or simply showing up for those who count on you, being prepared is an act of respect and responsibility. I still hear Mr. Ricard’s gentle reminder to “hurry”—not out of panic, but out of purpose. So next time you face a challenge, remember: preparation turns anxiety into confidence, and respect into results.
Be prepared, always.