Ten Tips for Being a Better Patrol Leader
What does it take to be a good patrol leader? Here are 10 keys to effective leadership that Scoutmasters can provide to a boy about to assume a role important both to the quality of Scouting experience his patrol receives and to his own personal development.
- Be a good communicator. You do not have to have a commanding voice to be a good leader, but you must be willing to step out front with an effective "Let's go!" A good leader knows how to get and give information so that everyone understands.
- Keep your word. Don't make promises you can't keep.
- Be fair to all. A good leader shows no favorites. Don't allow friendships to stand in the way of being fair to all members of your patrol.
- Be flexible. Everything won't always go as planned. Be prepared to shift to "Plan B" when "Plan A" doesn't work.
- Be organized. At patrol meetings, record who is responsible for each task, and have the duty roster filled out prior to going on a campout.
- Delegate. Some leaders assume the job will not get done unless they do it themselves. Most people like to be challenged with a task. Let them try doing things they haven't tried before.
- Set the example. Whatever you do, your patrol members are likely to do the same. A cheerful attitude can help keep everyone in good spirits.
- Be consistent. Nothing is more Jump to Next Box confusing than a leader who is one way one m ment and the opposite a short time later. If your patrol knows what to expect from you, they will more likely respond positively to your leadership.
- Give praise. Often, "Nice job!" is all the praise necessary to make a Scout feel he is making a worthwhile contribution.
- Ask for help. When confronted with a situation you don't know how to handle, ask someone with more e perience for some advice and direction.
Scouting Magazine, October 2001