Located in durham, NC   
Troop
         423

Patrol Leader

Patol Leader Patch

General Information

Description: The Patrol Leader is the elected leader of his patrol. He represents his patrol on the Patrol Leader's Council.

Comments: The Patrol Leader may easily be the most important job in the troop. He has the closest contact with the patrol members and is in the perfect position to help and guide them. The Patrol Leaders, along with the Senior Patrol Leader and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader are the primary members of the Patrol Leaders' Council.

Reports to: Senior Patrol Leader
Type: Elected by members of the patrol
Term: 6 months

Qualifications

Age: None
Rank: None
Experience: None
Attendance: 75% for all activities over previous 6 months
Confirmation: Nomination Approved by Scoutmaster

Performance Requirements

Training: You must attend the troop Junior Leader Training even if you have attended in the past.
Attendance: You are expected to attend 85% of all troop meetings, Patrol Leaders' Council meetings, outings, and service projects. If your attendance is low, or if you have three (3) unexcused absences in a row, you can be removed from office.
Effort: You are expected to give this job your best effort and use the adult leadership and advice when you feel they are needed.

General Leadership Responsibilities

Uniform: Set the example by wearing your uniform correctly. This means that you will wear all of the parts of the troop uniform, shirttail tucked in, with all required badges in their correct locations.
Behavior: Set the example by living the Scout Oath and Law in your everyday life. Show Scout Spirit in everything you say and do.
Attendance: Set the example by being an active Scout. Be on time for meetings and activities. You must call the Senior Patrol Leader or Scoutmaster if you are not going to be at a meeting or if you suddenly have to miss an outing. You also need to make sure that the Assistant Senior Patrol Leader is ready to assume your responsibilities. This requires you to "Be Prepared", plan ahead and this will never be an issue.

Specific Leadership Responsibilities

  • Appoints the Assistant Patrol Leader.
  • Represents the patrol on the Patrol Leader's Council.
  • Plans and steers patrol meetings.
  • Helps Scouts advance.
  • Acts as the chief recruiter of new Scouts.
  • Keeps patrol members informed.
  • Knows what his patrol members and other leaders can do.
  • Follows the Patrol Method and understands the 10 things to be a better leader.
  • Note: You can still have a conference with your advisor at any time. If you feel like having a discussion, just ask.

Ten Tips for Being a Good Patrol Leader

  1. Keep Your Word.
  2. Don't make promises you can't keep.
  3. Be a Good Communicator. You don't need 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 what's going on.
  4. Be Flexible. Everything doesn't always go as planned. Be prepared to shift to "plan B" when "plan A" doesn't work.
  5. Be Organized. The time you spend planning will be repaid many times over. At patrol meetings, record who agrees to do each task, and fill out the duty roster before going camping.
  6. Delegate. Some leaders assume that the job will not get done unless they do it themselves. Most people like to be challenged with a task. Empower your patrol members to do things they have never tried.
  7. Set an Example. The most important thing you can do is lead by example. Whatever you do, your patrol members are likely to do the same. A cheerful attitude can keep everyone's spirits up.
  8. Be Consistent. Nothing is more confusing than a leader who is one way one moment and another way a short time later. If your patrol knows what to expect from you, they will more likely respond positively to your leadership.
  9. Give Praise. The best way to get credit is to give it away. Often a "Nice job" is all the praise necessary to make a Scout feel he is contributing to the efforts of the patrol.
  10. Ask for Help. Don't be embarrassed to ask for help. You have many resources at your disposal. When confronted with a situation you don't know how to handle, ask someone with more experience for some advice and direction.

 


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