14. VISITING OTHER COMPANIES
It can be very helpful to a leader of one company to have the opportunity of visiting another company. However it has to be recognised that for a number of genuine reasons things may be done differently and what works well in one situation may not work in another. To get the best out of a visit the following points may be helpful:
1. Make a definite appointment with the Captain. It's only fair to the company for them to know that you are coming and it may save you a wasted journey if they decide to go ice?skating the evening you turn up unannounced! In the same way attending a "games evening" may not be want you want to see! At the same time confirm which sections you would like to see in action.
2. Check on the exact location of the company's meeting place and obtain details of how to get there. Some companies are near roads, which have been permanently closed at one end to prevent through traffic using the road!
3. Check whether it would be appropriate for you to wear uniform. If not, a buttonhole badge may be appropriate and enable the boys to accept you as a BB member.
4. Try to arrive on time. Allow extra time for traffic delays. Don't arrive too early ? the leaders will probably be busy getting things ready. Nevertheless by arriving about 5?10 minutes before the advertised starting time will give you the chance to meet the leaders and see the boys arriving.
5. Check that you know the name(s) of the Leader(s) in Charge of the Section(s) you're visiting.
6. Encourage the Leader in Charge to introduce you to the boys. It's then much easier for you to talk to the boys if they know why you are there.
7. Try to be clear in your own mind about the purpose of your visit. You will then find that you nave something to focus on. So, for example, you may want to look at:
The content of the devotional time;
The use of a points system to encourage good behaviour;
Variety in the programme;
Relationships ? between boys themselves and/or between leaders and boys.
8. Remember it may be difficult to talk to leaders during the evening if they are actively involved in activities and need to concentrate on what they're doing. At the end of programme be sensitive to the fact that the Leaders(s) may have had a long tiring day at work and want to get home!
9. It may be helpful to make notes. However be sensitive to the fact that writing furiously on a clip board could be intimidating to a Leader not used to having an observer present. You can always make longer notes in the car or when you get home.
10. Remember to express thanks at the end of the evening. You may like to offer one of their leaders the opportunity of visiting your company.
11. Finally remember that every company is different. What works well in one company may not be as successful in another.
