Patrol Leader

[diamondbackAPL]

In about two weeks, I'll be running for patrol leader. If I get elected, does anybody have advice on things I can do to make the patrol better. I'm kind of nervous, this is the second biggest position I've ever had a chance to run for, (I could have run for SPL, but I decided to wait until I was older). So any advice would be great.

[riverwalk]

Sorry, that was from an old joke. Seriously, like any new role, there are things to do and things to avoid. One can't make an entire training session here, but we might help with tips or a direction to take.

There exists some good resources, like Handbook for Patrol Leaders, and training for those in leadership roles. To make it short and sweet, consider that your role is about leadership, understanding your members, and setting the example. Don't be a boss. We don't have bosses in Scouts, though some might seem bossy, haha. We have people resources that are a part of something...something they want to be a part of. Find out what they want or need in their Scouting trail. Learn by watching others too. It's educational....we can see people we want to be like, as they are successful. And we definitely see people we DON'T want to perform like. If you permit me, I'll use things like facilitator. In other words, keep the group working together to complete your goals. A goal might be to teach a skill to a new member; finalize plans for the next Outing; being an all around effective Patrol, so it helps the larger group (Troop) be effective. If a single Scout can't/won't complete something, it might keep the Patrol at a certain skill level. By the same token, the Troop can only do what the sum of it's parts (Patrols) can do.

Just an opinion from a shy ineffective Patrol Leader from long ago. Now, my small Unit is a firehouse, and my Patrol is a group of folks I take into harm's way. You have the right mindset about learning, by using a forum that's larger than your community contacts. Learn something everyday.

[diamondbackAPL]

thanks, riverwalk. Tonight we have SPL elections, and I decided to put my name on the ballot (what harm could it do?) If I don't win, I'll try Patrol Leader. I'm really nervous about it.

[t305spl]

Good luck!

[diamondbackAPL]

thanks, I leave for the meeting in 2 minutes. I'm reeeaaaalllllyyyyy nervous.

[diamondbackAPL]

The polls are closed, the ballots have been counted, drumroll please..........

And, I didn't get it . Oh well I'll try for Patrol Leader next week.

[TCC7]

Shane,
I respect your enthusiasm for wanting to lead. I agree with your thinking about waiting a little while for SPL. If you haven't held the PL position, you may have a little trouble knowing how to handle the troop and dealing with the Patrol Leaders. Take it one step at a time and I think you will find that leading will start to come to you easier. I hope that your troop has leadership training. That will help you greatly. Then look at the Council training. Good luck in all you do.

[diamondbackAPL]

hey everyone, last night the new SPL called me and picked me to ASPL! I'm really happy, can't y'all tell.

[Rick Tyler]

hey everyone, last night the new SPL called me and picked me to ASPL! I'm really happy, can't y'all tell.

Congratulations! My son is the ASPL of our troop right now and it has been a great experience for him. Due to a variety of personal reasons our SPL has been absent most of the time since he has been elected and my son has acted as the SPL -- including taking the troop to summer camp. The ASPL role is a critical one if you do it right. Just remember that the harder you work to make the patrol leaders successful, the better you will look (and the more you will gain -- but that's harder to see at first).

[ICanCanoeCanU]

Diamondback - congrats! You have one of the best qualities going into this and that's the enthusiam and the desire for the position - you'll be great!

[diamondbackAPL]

thanks everybody. I really think the new SPL is a great leader, and I look forward to helping him. I have several ideas on how to help the troop, and I finally get to share them because I'm in the PLC now.

[hacimsaalk]

congradulations on your position. i think u will enjoy your position, as well as learn from it. if u make an effort at it, and do your job, who knows, maybe SPL is in your future.

keep up the good work

[ASM-142]

thanks everybody. I really think the new SPL is a great leader, and I look forward to helping him. I have several ideas on how to help the troop, and I finally get to share them because I'm in the PLC now.

Every scout should be able to share their ideas. This should not be limited to the PLC.

[TCC7]

Way to go Shane!!
Now that you have this great leadership position and I think for the second time according to your signature, knock out First Class so you can use this time in a position of responsibility for your Star requirement although you are the Chaplain's Aid. I'm sure you will do well in the new position. Continue to climb the ladder.

[wagionvigil]

you will do a great Job in that position.

[Chief J]

Sounds like a great position for you!!

Best wishes and have fun with it,
Chief J

[Eamonn]

Way To Go.
Have Fun.
Never forget to allow the Scout Oath and Law be your guide.

[diamondbackAPL]

this doesn't have anything to do with my new job, but it's major for me, and I didn't want to start a new topic, so anyway last night at the scout meeting, I got my first class finding directions requirement signed off. so I was looking at my advancement record and saw that all I have to do for first class is

1.Scoutmaster Counference
2.Board of Review

so I'll be getting my first class in hopefully three weeks! and I've already got all my merit badges for star, so I'll hopefully be getting that one soon too

[wagionvigil]

way to go! keep up the hard work and soon you will be well on your way to Eagle.

[diamondbackAPL]

I got my first class scoutmaaster counference last night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'll get my first class BOR next week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!