Last fall, I shared my enthusiasm for a book called The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon. It’s a quick, engaging read about the power of positive energy in leadership and teamwork. The central idea is simple but powerful: we each have the ability—and the responsibility—to fuel those around us with optimism, clarity, and purpose. 

Recently, I’ve been reading Leadership and Self-Deception by the Arbinger Institute. It’s written as a story, but it dives deep into how our mindset affects the way we see others, make decisions, and lead. One of the key concepts is the idea of being “in the box” versus “out of the box.” 

For most of my life, I’ve heard people talk about “thinking outside the box,” and I assumed it was all about creativity or unconventional problem-solving. But this book gave me a whole new understanding. 

In this context, being “in the box” means seeing people as objects instead of as people. It’s when we justify our own behavior by blaming or judging others. It’s subtle, and it happens to all of us—but when we’re in the box, our leadership suffers, our relationships grow tense, and our teams lose energy. 

Being “out of the box” means approaching others with curiosity, compassion, and authenticity. It means seeing people as people—with needs, fears, and hopes just like ours—and making decisions in a way that honors that humanity. 

What struck me most is how much this connects back to The Energy Bus. When we’re out of the box, we show up with the kind of positive energy that others want to follow. We become leaders who build trust, not fear. Leaders who lift people up, not wear them down. 

So this month, I’d like to challenge each of us—myself included—to be more aware of how we lead and interact. Let’s be outside-the-box leaders who are also on the energy bus. Let’s keep fueling Scouting with positive energy, genuine connection, and a focus on serving others. 

Because in the end, that’s what great leadership—and great Scouting—is all about.