February 17, 2009 Troop 774 Junior Leader Training Program T. Chesnutt, Scoutmaster

February 17, 2009 Being a Troop Leader Leaders in the Troop are elected. Scouts in the Troop see your leadership potential Fundamentals of trust and respect are already established Who works for who? Leadership is a stewardship. The leader is responsible for the welfare of his patrol. He works for patrol members, not the other way around Being a leader is a lot of work! Planning phone calls, resolving conflicts… Sweating the details.

February 17, 2009 So What’s in it for me? WIFM - a favorite radio station? Leaders get to influence troop decisions. Leaders get advance information about troop activities. Learn skills that will last your whole life. Team building Conflict resolution Planning and organization Delegation

February 17, 2009 Troop Organization SPL runs the Troop He is assisted by his Assistant Sr. Patrol Leaders Scoutmasters are here to advise and back you up Patrol method Divides Troop into manageable units Distributes leadership-provides leadership opportunities for more boys Allows diversity to shine through Other Troop functions Not all leadership positions are “line” management Scribe, Historian, Quartermaster, Librarian, Instructor, Chaplains Aide, Bugler

February 17, 2009 Responsibilities of a Patrol Leader Appoint Assistant PL Greenbar Attend with ideas Assign a sub when you can’t attend (APL) Steer patrol identity Name Flag Yell Plan and run patrol meetings Plan in advance Budget meeting time Get Scouts involved Keep meeting under control

February 17, 2009 Responsibilities of a Patrol Leader Help Scouts advance Review advancement requirements prior to outing/event Encourage Scouts to attend campouts, camp, and community service Encourage merit badge activity Keep patrol members informed Make calls when required (outing headcount) Call guys who are absent and inform them of next weeks activities Set an example Wear uniform correctly Live by the Scout Oath and Law Lead by example

February 17, 2009 Leadership Styles The ‘Big Boss’ style Useful style in an emergency More fun to be one than to work for one Use fear or intimidation to accomplish the task Shared leadership Groups get things done, but they need leadership to succeed. “Leaders are people who help their groups get organized and then encourage them to achieve something.” Builds an atmosphere of mutual respect

February 17, 2009 Techniques used in Shared Leadership The Leader Asks questions Resists the temptation to solve the problem for the patrol Helps his group think through the problem Encourages teamwork-gets everyone involved. Lets new ideas emerge Gives his crew credit for their accomplishments Uses reflection to help the crew learn from their experience and to get their feedback

February 17, 2009 Attributes of a Good Leader Knowledgeable - knows his skills Good listener - empathy Has common sense exercises good judgment Trustworthy Responsible does the right thing Selfless not selfish. Does what’s best for the patrol Good communicator sets expectations, gives feedback, asks questions.

February 17, 2009 More Attributes of a Good Leader Leads by example Walks the talk. Treats others fairly Ensures equal distribution of work. Does not show favoritism. Capable planner Knows what needs to be done Gives advance notice Avoids surprises Organized Keeps good records Delegates Knows he can’t do it all Finds good people to help him

February 17, 2009 Building Cooperation in the Patrol Use shared leadership to solve problems Make everyone in the patrol a part of the solution Develops a sense of team accomplishment and patrol identity Delegate Divide the work. Give everyone a piece to own. Set expectations. Give feedback. Praise success. Encourage those who struggle. Help only as a last resort. Find ways to establish and develop your patrol identity Patrol yell, flag Skits at campouts Make a good showing at uniform inspections, Camporee, community service

February 17, 2009 Conflict Resolution Head off conflict before it occurs/gets out of hand Small problems are easier to solve Patrol leader must be observant to catch things before they escalate No bad surprises Advance planning helps people prepare Duty roster is an effective tool Be fair Distribute work evenly. All scouts get a turn. Even you. Keep good records. Memories fade.

February 17, 2009 Conflict Resolution Techniques Listen Show empathy Try to see things from each person’s perspective Invention Explore all possible solutions--be creative Get input from all involved Look for the win-win solution Selection Find the best solution for the most people As the leader it’s your responsibility to make the call. Build a consensus if you can

February 17, 2009 Building Trust Demonstrate your trustworthiness Treat your patrol members with respect Set the expectation that all members of the patrol will follow your example Always look out for the best interest of your patrol. Don’t tell them that you are. They will find out. Don’t screw up! Once violated, trust takes a long time (if ever) to get re-established.

February 17, 2009 Patrol Leader Responsibility Troop Meetings Roll Call Patrol meetings Colors, cleanup Troop Outings Campouts Community Service Camporee Activity Planning Phone calls Information distribution Greenbar

February 17, 2009 Troop Meetings Roll call Get your guys lined up in front of the podium Take attendance; give info to the Scribe Patrol Meetings Have an agenda. This is planned at Greenbar. Write down what you need to accomplish and budget time for each item. Stick to time budget. Colors/Cleanup You’ll know what week you have these tasks from Greenbar. Make assignments the week prior. Look for advancement opportunities (flag ceremony)

February 17, 2009 CampoutsCampouts Takeoff Get a headcount - make sure everyone is accounted for. Inspect the patrol for readiness - no Scout essentials, no campout. Get patrol gear out of the shed and loaded. Get Scouts loaded in cars. At the site Supervise selection of campsite (advancement for someone. Inspect the camp setup. Ensure food and crew gear is adequately stowed. Review the duty roster with patrol Review safety rules - propane, buddy system

February 17, 2009 Campouts continued On a hike Designate leader and sweep Ensure rules of safe hiking are obeyed-count- off, “anyone not ready?” End of outing Have patrol box inspected by Scoutmaster Notify QM of any patrol needs Load gear in trailer Inspect campsite for cleanliness

February 17, 2009 Activity Planning Attend Greenbar Planning is essential Lookout for the month ahead Make calls when necessary Use call sheet to track who you talked to Get feedback to the SPL Information Distribution Get the word out to your patrol members Give as much advance notice as possible