The Patrol Leader’s Real Power and Authority

March 19, 2013 By Clarke Green

A new patrol leader may think, at first, their position is one of great power and authority.

Truth be told patrol leaders do have great power and authority but it’s not aimed at bossing people around or commanding their respect.

The patrol leader’s real power is the example they set for their fellow Scouts.

A patrol will follow this example – whether it is good or bad.

If they are prepared their patrol will be prepared.
If they are helpful and kind their patrol will be helpful and kind.
If they are positive and encouraging their patrol will be positive and encouraging.
If they are selfish and mean their patrol will be selfish and mean.
If they are indifferent and disinterested their patrol will be indifferent and disinterested.

Any good leader strives to do what they can to help others succeed. They do this through the power and authority of their example. A patrol leader who understands this power will help his patrol succeed in anything they choose to do.

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About Clarke Green

Clarke has worked with thousands of Scouts and Scouters as a director at his local Scout Camp (Camp Horseshoe), and as a Scoutmaster for 30 years. He is the recipient of a number of awards recognizing his service to Scouting, including the B.S.A.’s Silver Beaver, District Award of Merit, and is a Vigil Honor member of Octoraro Lodge 22. He is author of the blog and podcast at Scoutmastercg.com, The Scouting Journey, and Thoughts on Scouting. An avid outdoorsman and amateur actor, he lives in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania with his wife Teddi.

Comments

Steven Kaminski, Boy Scout Troop 869 says

March 25, 2013 at 10:53 am

Clarke:

Just back from Scoutmaster Leader Training (Outdoor Portion) this past weekend in the Heart of Virginia Council. While my first night was an uncomfortable night of sleeping in my 28 degree camp-issued canvas tent, my second night was downright cozy as my fellow Patrol Scouter lent me an additional sleeping bag he had taken. As an adult I was quickly reminded of the effect that kindness has no matter what our age. In this case I happily found it most difficult to get out of my coccoon of bags the next morning.

While now just getting into the Boy Scouts side of Scouting, I’ve already shared your Patrol Leader Real Power .pdf with my new Patrol Leader and his assistants. I’ve also done my best to drop a hint or two about your podcasts and website as it has done its job to remind me why we put ourselves into these uncomfortable situations on purpose.

Thank you for you insight and willingness to share your experience with those of us out here hoping to make a difference in boys becoming men.

I make it a point to cue up your current or past podcasts as I leave the driveway on my weekday commute to work. Once there I then find it difficult to pause the podcast until I return to it later that afternoon.

Thanks again and here’s hoping that you continue your good work,

Steven Kaminski
Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop 869
Midlothian, Virginia
Larry Green says

March 19, 2013 at 11:10 am

Very well put!