Being the Boss The Dumping Ground Survival Files

BOTH: Welcome to The Dumping Ground.

CHEERING

SHOUTING

Help! Help!

It's not as bad as it sounds.

If you're watching this, you're one of us now.

Relax. You're going to love it here.

You'll meet some amazing new friends...

Ta-da!

..get to try exciting new food...

Wh-h-h-h-h...

We promise it's an experience you'll never forget.

What?

No, no, no.

-Brilliant.

-But remember,

This is a place where random chaos can strike at any time.

SHOUTING

So you have to be prepared...

-My face!

-..for pretty much anything.

EXPLOSION, SCREAMING

And that's why we've made this video blog.

-We've been through all this...

-..so you don't have to.

On the Dumping Ground Survival Files this time,

what it takes to be the boss -

the problems and pitfalls of being in charge,

and when being a leader becomes being a bully.

Today we're talking about power and leadership.

Harry, what makes a good leader?

You do.

Thanks, but we're not talking about me.

-We're talking about the qualities that define...

-Did I say it right?

Let's look at some examples of leadership.

First of all, let's talk about our very own leader, Mike.

What makes him such a good head care worker?

Right, after all the trouble we've had recently,

today is going to be a fresh start...

Is it because he's charismatic, like Martin Luther King?

Right! Let's move it out! Company, ho-o!

An inspirational speaker, like Winston Churchill?

There will be other cared-for young people there,

so I expect all of you to be on your best behaviour this year,

or you will all be seeing my cross face.

-A seeker of justice...

-Is that mine?

-..like Mahatma Gandhi?

Right, you put back everything that belongs to Toby. Immediately!

Or is it...

She ran out - I couldn't stop her. Look, I'll just go find her.

-Something else?

-Tracy, we should... Tra... You do know I'm in charge?!

How would you describe Mike, Mo?

He's a man.

Yeah... Anything else?

I think he might be Irish.

He makes you go to bed on time and eat vegetables,

but he always gives in if you pretend to cry.

What do you think of Mike, Tyler?

He's all right.

Nah, he's better than all right.

He's just...Mike.

PFFFFFRRRRRT!

I've seen worse. A lot worse.

Like Dennis.

Oh, Dennis was a nightmare!

Ah, Gina, you remember Dennis - Dennis Stockle?

Yeah, hi.

This morning there was a fire at Burnywood.

-A fire? Is everyone all right? What happened?

-Calm down, calm down.

They're fine. They're fine.

We just had to move a few of the kids in here.

And Dennis will be joining us for a while.

-Just while they sort Burnywood out.

-Relax -

I'm not here to take over. Got enough on my plate already.

Mike, would you clear out some of your stuff?

Tell me about this Dennis guy. What made him such a bad boss?

Well, he's Dennis, isn't he? Loves power but hates people.

Cor, check out the room.

No padlocks.

Yeah? They'll be getting some now you're here.

We prefer to trust our young people, Dennis.

-Here, Tyler, help yourself.

-Cheers.

-Hoo-hoo!

I wouldn't tell him to help himself. There speaks the voice of experience.

Let's crack on with the paperwork, shall we?

Welcome to the world of pain that is Dennisville.

And Dennis was only just beginning.

All it took was some stolen money for this new care worker

on the block to start laying down the law, Dennis-style.

One of you has Johnny's money,

and if it's not on my desk in the next ten minutes...

No, no. You don't give them ten minutes to hide it somewhere else.

We're searching your rooms! Now!

When my savings got nicked, Dennis couldn't wait to get involved.

Now, we haven't found Johnny's money yet, so we're giving you

one last chance before we call the police.

That's a waste of time with no evidence.

They won't do anything, and we get left with a load of paperwork.

-It's only fair to Johnny.

-Well, he's lost £200. There are ten kids here.

We're taking a fiver off everyone's allowance over the next four months.

THEY ALL COMPLAIN AT ONCE

Find his money, keep yours. And this place is closed until further notice.

He didn't care that I'd been robbed.

He just wanted to act the big man and throw his weight around.

-This is NOT a prison.

-Do you want to sit here?

Write your letter of resignation.

Why would I want to resign?

Cos I'm taking over.

So we got together, tried to fight back.

There must be a way of standing up to him.

Ooh.

Council of war, is it? Come on, let's break it up.

There's no law against them hanging out with each other.

-There is if I say so. And isn't it time you went home?

-Not yet.

What - his social worker gave you permission to visit?

I used to live here. Mike said it's OK.

Yeah, well, I'm his boss and I say it's not.

You're nasty.

Hmm. And you're out.

Dennis was a bad leader. He was power-mad, cruel and corrupt.

But Tracy got rid of him.

Which was good, because history tells us that

when a bad leader's in charge, bad things happen.

Like what?

Like poverty, war, famine.

-That's when people don't have enough to eat.

-Like when you were in charge?

-No!

Well, yeah, but...

I never wanted to be in charge. It just kind of happened.

It all started when Mike went on holiday for the first time ever.

Now, no loud music, no kitchen experiments,

and don't wind up the relief care worker, please.

As if we would do something like that(!)

Ha-ha-ha(!)

# Caribbean... #

It WAS going to be weird without him.

# I'm going on holiday... #

But at least we still had Gina.

I told you my metal detector weren't a waste of money.

Why - what have you found?

Well, we DID have Gina...

until a box of unexploded grenades got dug up in the garden.

What does this bit do?

-Harry!

-Harry, what are you doing?

Get down!

EXPLOSION, SCREAMING

And then... we were TWO care workers down.

-We need another one!

-Another what?

-Mike!

-Mike's on holiday!

-Yes, I know!

-One like him.

-I'll sort it.

You just concentrate on getting better.

And all I needed then was an earful from some shouty army guy(!)

-It's a miracle nobody died. Fancy letting your kids play with grenades!

-They weren't playing...

-Yes, they were! That crater over there and your colleague off to hospital proves it.

-But she's -

Ready, sir!

Right, you lot, move back.

Let's go!

-He thought that you were a care worker.

-So?

You! Keep a tighter rein on this lot. They're obviously trouble.

Cue Elektra's scheming mind switching to overdrive.

-Who are you calling?

-The council. I need to find out what happened

to the relief care worker and book another one.

Why do we need a relief care worker when we've got you?

I'm not looking after you lot!

You don't have to look after us - just pretend you're the relief care worker and send the real one away.

Are you being serious? You want to play Home Alone?

It's better than a stranger here, ordering us about. I mean, you could really do this.

The whole thing was Elektra's evil scheme, not mine.

I just wanted a responsible adult to come along and take over.

Until I met Mrs Dillon.

LOUD CHATTER AND SQUEALING

WHISTLE BLOWS

QUIET LAUGHTER

MRS DILLON GASPS

Go to your room!

Football in the house?

No TV for all of you for three days.

THEY ALL COMPLAIN AT ONCE

Make that four!

She was a monster. And she thought she could just walk in

and take over the place. I couldn't let that happen

I will not tolerate bad behaviour!

-Good thing you won't be here to witness any, then.

-What do you mean?

I'M the relief care worker. You've been double booked.

You don't look old enough.

Yes, I... I get that's a lot.

Now, are you going to stand there and discuss my youthful appearance,

or let me do my job?

I'll show you out.

'So before I knew it, I was running the Dumping Ground.'

Hands up, everybody who wants Faith.

I was the people's choice.

Not much of a choice. You or Mrs Dillon.

Yeah, I know, but everyone loved me - at first.

Every day was party time and everyone was happy.

Everything's fine. There's nothing to report, really.

So how are you getting on with the relief care worker?

Great. Everyone loves her. Get well soon.

DIAL TONE

But then out of nowhere, a crisis.

Right, OK.

What's the problem?

We need a big shop.

'No food...

'and worse than that, no money to buy any more.'

IOU £50? Tyler, 80? Frank, 70?

-Go on, just one go.

-Get your own!

-Oh, fine. I've got better things to do with my cash. BOTH:

-Gorgeous!

Look, isn't she so cute?

-It's a panda.

-Yeah, her name's Shi Shi, and I'm sponsoring her.

-To do what - a parachute jump?

-Ha-ha(!)

50 quid?! You spent 50 quid for that thing to sit on its bum

-and eat bamboo all day?

-They're endangered!

You said you'd spent your own money on this lot.

The petty cash IS our own money.

-With Mike and Gina gone, it belongs to us.

-And who told you that?

-We'll pay it back.

-Yeah, we left notes.

-Oh, I know -

Frank, £70. Tyler, £80!

-So that's where you got the money for them stupid cars.

-Hold on,

Carmen, cos you managed to spend 50 quid on false nails and make up.

We have three days until Gina gets back, and we need to eat.

Properly.

OK, maybe I should have predicted the financial crisis,

but I was dealing with a lot at the time.

Like Elektra getting out of control.

Do you really want to get on the wrong side of me?

-I'm not scared of YOU.

-What, with no Mike and Gina about to protect you?

All I'm saying is, whatever you're planning,

-you better not hurt the rest of us. I'm watching you.

-Get. Out!

I was supposed to be in charge,

but Elektra was manipulating everyone behind the scenes.

Yeah, I'm starving!

And things got pretty ugly once news got out that Johnny was

hiding secret food supplies.

How long is it going to take?

MUFFLED: I feel bad for the others.

They wasted their own cash - why should I bail them out?

I knew you had more money.

I put in ten quid. That's more than most of them.

Look, you've finished your pack. I've got more in my room.

-Share it with the others.

-No, if they found out we'd got food, we'll lose everything.

Elektra got wind of Johnny's secret food stash, and suddenly

we were living in a police state.

It was like having Dennis back in charge,

except with blue hair.

-You are so dead when Mike and Gina get back.

-Why didn't you open the door?

-Why are you so desperate to see me in my undies?

-Where's the food?

-I don't know what you're on about.

-He's lying!

-Prove it.

If you were getting changed, why are you still wearing the same clothes

-as you was before?

-Search his room.

You can't touch my stuff. Tell them!

-Get off the bed.

-Make me.

Argh!

Ah, told you!

No-one gave Elektra any power. She just took it,

and used it to punish anyone who dared stand up to her.

-Johnny Taylor is charged with theft and fraud.

-What?!

Who agrees that we should take Johnny's money

and spend it on food for all of us?

Oh, come on, guys. We don't tolerate liars and cheats around here.

Aw, Harry, are you hungry?

Do you want some food? Well, put your hand up, then!

Seven votes. Majority rules. Come on.

But that's not fair. Johnny's never taken from petty cash.

He's always saved his own money.

That makes you the one stealing, not him!

That's Elektra for you.

She has a way of getting into people's heads

and making them do whatever SHE wants.

Are you happy now? Johnny's locked in his room, Tee's in pieces,

and everyone has fallen out.

-Don't blame me. It's democracy in action.

-It's not democracy - it's you.

Well, they're so easy to manipulate. It's almost criminal.

And once Elektra's on a roll, there's no stopping her.

Lock him in the coal bunker.

-You can't do that.

-Oh, but he's going to ruin everything, so do it!

-I'm sorry.

-Yeah? Well, if that were true

then you wouldn't listen to everything she says.

-We've got no choice.

-She's using you. She's up to something.

-We know.

That day was Elektra at her very worst.

In my book, that's not being a leader.

That's just being a bully.

I didn't know you'd written a book.

So what have we learnt so far about being the boss

to upload into the Dumping Ground Survival Files?

Well, as I found out, being in charge isn't easy.

It can be tough when everyone expects you to have all the answers.

And if you are someone who likes to be liked,

having to make unpopular decisions can be really difficult.

There are many different ways to go about being in charge.

A good leader tries to be fair and thinks of others.

A bad one is only interested in results

and doesn't care who gets hurt along the way.

And the worst kind uses their power in a mean way, forcing people

to go along with what they say with threats and rough stuff.

Yes, you can tell a good leader by the way they treat their followers.

Good leaders inspire and protect their people.

Bad leaders lock them in a coal bunker.

As Johnny found out.

But the tables were turned when it came to the Living History day.

For once, Johnny got the chance to be top dog.

So let's talk about what happened at Hidden Hall.

Do we have to?

Afraid so. What happened was everyone was given a role in

an Edwardian household, and some weren't exactly overjoyed

with the result.

This is the worst day of my life.

Yeah, I know - me, a servant?

Hello - do these look like servant hands?

While Johnny got head of the household,

although he had his doubts about it too.

People don't always listen to me.

Then today you must make them, show everyone

that you're in charge.

They have to respect you, look up to you.

Are you up for that challenge?

-I THINK so.

-No "think" about it. You have to be sure.

Milligan?

A keen young lad with everything to prove in charge.

Your tasks for the day, my lord.

You're my butler? Wicked.

What could go wrong?

I mean, um, very good, Milligan. Very good.

Hm...

What went wrong at Hidden Hall?

Well, they put Johnny in charge, er...

The real trouble started

when Carmen decided she'd had enough of servant life...

..and started joining in the fun upstairs.

Put your hands up.

And that's when we realised Johnny was getting way too into

this whole Living History thing.

What's going on?

Oh, it's called the Grizzly Bear. Rachel's teaching us it for later.

-She's a servant. She can't join in.

-Well, it's not up to you.

Um, yes, it is. I'm the Earl. I'm in charge and what I say goes.

Strictly speaking, he's right.

Well, I hate being Edwardian!

It's like he became a different person.

He even tried to boss Elektra around.

HIS FINGERS SNAP

Now do mine.

Johnny. Is it fair to say that a bit of power went to your head?

Elektra would have done the same to me.

Maybe, but that doesn't make it right.

You don't understand the pressure I was under!

CHATTERING

And one of the biggest pressures facing the Earl

was the job of getting his son married off to a rich wife,

which meant being able to strut your stuff Edwardian-style at the ball.

Put your hands up, like a bear.

And Johnny's son for the day, my blogging assistant, Harry,

wasn't exactly a natural.

Right, start again!

Get it right, otherwise you won't get married, and I'll lose the hall.

Is that what you want?

It wasn't fun any more.

I didn't like it when Johnny was in charge.

Nobody liked it.

Now, I'm the first to admit that being in charge isn't easy.

I learnt that myself the hard way.

But Johnny was on a personal power trip.

And it wasn't pretty.

JOHNNY AND HARRY LAUGH

Why do I have to do this?

To make my son happy. Now tap your head and rub you belly.

No, this isn't even one of my tasks!

It is if I say so. Do it.

-No.

-Then you're fired.

So? This isn't real anyway!

Yeah, but it's the best job you're ever going to get.

I've seen your school grades.

You'll be lucky to be a cleaner when you're older.

I don't even know why he said those things.

He was so mean. It's just not like him.

It was like something had got into him.

Maybe that old house was haunted.

Johnny upset Carmen.

Why? What happened?

Who cares? She's just a maid.

No, she's not - she's a person, and she should have rights.

And she's still our friend.

Not today. You don't care about her today.

I don't want to dance with you any more.

You have to.

Um, I don't have to do anything, and I'm not marrying Harry either.

-Why not?

-Because I wouldn't want to marry someone

with such a rubbish dad.

Doubt anyone will ever want to marry YOU, then.

Wait - what?

Are you talking about my real life? My real dad?

That was totally out of order. No-one talks about my dad like that,

no matter how important they might think they are.

-Take it back.

-Don't tell me what to do.

-I said take it back.

-Make me.

-No, no - stop, stop! Stop it, stop it!

-This is not Edwardian.

Don't you ever say anything about my family again!

Get out!

Tia or Floss can marry Harry instead.

That means I hate you!

It's obvious that Johnny wasn't ready to be in charge.

He couldn't control his temper,

and that turned everyone against him.

A true leader must practise self-control and discipline.

Otherwise, you're just a spoilt brat throwing tantrums.

Like Jody's nightmare of a big brother, Kingsley.

We thought she was sorted once she'd gone back to live with her family.

We'd heard all about her smart house and the new clothes and toys.

Then, suddenly, one day she was back at the Dumping Ground.

Pay the taxi, would you, Mike?

Something had obviously gone horribly wrong.

Something...

or someone.

Kingsley had always been a bad boy. Somehow, he'd managed

to convince the social services that he'd changed.

But that was all just an act.

I shouldn't have snapped at you, Jodes.

It's just not easy, coming out of prison, trying to earn a living.

We have to keep working at it. Get used to being a family again.

Does that mean I've got to go home?

We want you to come and see us. It's just...

This isn't your home anymore.

-But it can be, though! Carmen said that...

-OK, Jody,

let's have a little chat in the office, on our own.

Don't take too long, yeah?

I just want you to come home now. Don't want no more fuss.

It's OK.

There's nothing I want to say.

Kingsley was the big brother from hell.

But he was also the boss of the family,

so nobody stood a chance, especially Jody.

It's always been the same.

Mum's scared stiff of Kingsley,

so he just tramples all over her,

and the rest of us.

-She's just coming.

-Get her in the car, now.

-But she's just...

-In the car, now.

-It's my old one. It's got no credit, but I can call you, OK?

-Promise?

I promise. Come here.

It just felt wrong.

I mean, Jody was back home, living with her family,

and that's something we all dream of,

so why did she act like she'd rather live in care?

Come on, baby, don't be silly. Thank you.

Come on, in the car.

Put your belt on.

All right?

I wanted it to work. I really did.

I kept hoping it might be different this time,

that Kingsley might have calmed down a bit, or even that the others

might stand up to him.

But Kingsley was still in control,

and just to show Jody he was boss, he locked her in her bedroom

after he got it into his head that she'd been stealing from him.

-Who unlocked this door?

-No-one.

I needed the toilet!

-One of yous idiots left the door open.

-Haven't you punished her

-enough yet?

-What, for thieving my gear? Losing me money?

She's just a kid.

She's still got to learn. We've got to be able to trust her.

You can. I'll be good now, I promise.

And this is why the bedroom door was unlocked -

me and Tyler had snuck in there just to see if she was OK.

I promise that it won't happen again.

PHONE BUZZES

-You've got another phone?

-Um...

KEY TONES BLEEP

-"Are you OK?" What does that mean?

-I dunno.

-From Tee? That girl at the kids' home? What you been saying?

-Nothing.

Well, I just went over to see Jody.

I wasn't up for a fight with the bully brothers,

but Carmen really stood up to them.

I just didn't think she had it in her.

-You are really winding me up now.

-No, I'm not.

-How'd you open the door?

-I didn't!

-Liar!

-Leave her alone!

-What?

-WE opened the door. Jody didn't do anything.

-It's true.

-So you can leave her alone now.

-And we won't say anything.

Too right you won't.

You breathe a word of this to the law or the social, or any of your

-mates down at the kids' home, and she gets it.

-Do you understand?

The thing is with Kingsley is no-one ever says no to him,

especially not Mum.

So he thinks he can get away with anything.

And he usually does.

Usually. But Kingsley was about to meet his match.

-Where are they?

-Gina!

-Gina!

-Are you all right?

-Kingsley's got Jody locked in her room,

-and it's full of stolen gear.

-Right.

-Yeah, trespassing, they were. Making stuff up.

-Just save it, yeah?

-You knew about this.

-Mum, don't answer her.

-She's got no right to be here.

-You want to argue with me about rights?!

Go, Gina!

It's hard to challenge bullies, but it's worth it

because sometimes, when one person fights back, others join in too,

and suddenly the bully isn't as powerful as everyone thought.

You said we was going to be a proper family this time.

We can't be.

-Not while he's around.

-You little...

I'm NOT scared of you.

I'm only here for Jody.

As soon as she's safe, I'm gone.

Just let her go, Mum. She's better off with them.

I miss my mum. And Luke. A bit.

But I can't live with Kingsley.

So the Dumping Ground is my home now.

When the person supposed to be in charge is weak,

bullies can take advantage.

If Jody's mum had stood up to Kingsley,

the Jacksons could have been a happy family.

Here you are, kid. Come here.

That's what's so great about Mike.

He never backs down to bullies.

He always fights for what he believes in,

and inspires us to do the same.

And you may not think it, looking at him, but he is strong, inside.

He's a good leader. And he makes us feel safe.

Until he goes on holiday again.

So what have we learnt about being the boss

to upload into the Survival Files?

We've all experienced good and bad leaders,

so if you find yourself having to be in charge, try to think about

what was good about the good ones and bad about the bad ones.

Being in charge isn't easy, but that's no excuse

for letting the pressure make you lose sight of everyone else.

Just because you need to get something organised,

doesn't mean it's OK to trample over everyone else in the process.

Fairness and being able to listen are good qualities in a leader.

But that doesn't mean just doing stuff that makes everyone like you.

Sometimes being the boss means telling people things

that they don't want to hear. Like "All the food money has gone,

"so stop blowing all our cash on stupid stuff that we don't need."

Be careful, though.

Power can be a dangerous thing

and being top dog can do funny things to people.

Elektra is a good example of that. She wasn't being a leader.

She was being a bully.

And poor Johnny took the brunt of it.

But just because you've been a victim of someone abusing power,

doesn't mean it's OK to try to settle scores

if later on you find the tables turned.

Be thoughtful. Be kind. Try to think things through,

and don't make any snap decisions.

Stick to these simple rules and you won't go far wrong

if find yourself having to be the boss.

And don't forget -

-we've been through all this...

-..so that you don't have to.