Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops. “Training boy leaders to run their troop is the Scoutmaster's most important job.” “Train Scouts to do a

Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops

“Training boy leaders to run their troop is the Scoutmaster's most important job.”

“Train Scouts to do a job, then let them do it.”

“Never do anything a boy can do.”

—Robert S. S. Baden-Powell

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Life Skills in a Values-Based EnvironmentScouting is a values-based program with its own code of conduct. The Scout Oath and Law help instill the values of good conduct and honesty. A boy who spends one year in a Scout troop will learn lifetime skills. He will learn basic outdoor skills, self-reliance, and how to get along with others. Scouting will prepare him to live a more productive and fulfilling life.

Leadership in Boy ScoutingScouting offers young people a rich and varied arena in which to learn and use leadership skills. Organizing the troop and patrols

Using duty rosters

Planning menus and figuring food costs

Encouraging advancement

Guiding a patrol's involvement in problem solving

Teaching outdoor skills

Ensuring patrol safety during outings

Handling patrol finances

Helping other Boy Scouts make the most of their own leadership opportunities

Encouraging participation

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Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops (ILST)

One—Unit Organization

Two—Tools of the Trade

Three—Leadership and Teamwork

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Scoutmaster Expectations • Live by the Scout Oath and the Scout Law.

• Set a good example (uniform, language, behavior).

• Participate in Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops.

• Devote the time necessary to handle the responsibilities of the position.• Work with other troop leaders to make the troop successful.

• Attend the council National Youth Leadership Training course (a leadership growth opportunity) if he has not already done so.

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Module OneOne—Unit Organization

• The Boy-Led Troop & Living the Scout Oath & Law • Troop Organization

• Leadership positions/roles and responsibilities

• Introductions to Mission and Vision

• Team Based Troop

• Introduction to Servant Leadership

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Mission Statement The mission of the Boy Scouts of America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

MissionPrepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

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BSA Vision

The Boy Scouts of America is the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training.

In the future, Scouting will continue to:

• Offer young people responsible fun and adventure;

• Instill in young people lifetime values and develop in them ethical character as expressed in the Scout Oath and Law;

• Train young people in citizenship, service, and leadership;

• Serve America’s communities and families with its quality, values-based program.

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Troop Vision

Our troop will be a premier youth-led and adult-supported organization postured toward developing lifelong skills in boys and helping them to develop into men of character.

They will possess Scouting and citizen skills; adhere to the Scout Oath and Scout Law; serve their families, schools, communities and nation; and help others to achieve Scouting’s goals.

And they will do this through an exciting and challenging Scouting program.

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What does it mean when we say “a boy-led troop”?

The BSA's definition is that “empowering boys to be leaders” is the core of Scouting.

A Boy Scout troop is a small democracy. With the Scoutmaster's direction, the boys are formed into patrols, plan the troop's program, and make it a reality.

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Scoutmaster

TROOP ORGANIZATION CHART for a Large Troop

Junior Assistant

Scoutmaster

Assistant Scoutmaster New Scout

Assistant Scoutmaster

Venture

Senior PatrolLeader

Assistant Senior Patrol

Leader

Patrol Leader Patrol Leader Patrol Leader Venture Patrol

Assistant Patrol Leader



Chaplain Aide

Quartermaster HistorianScribe LibrarianOA Troop Representative

Instructor

Patrol Scribe

QuartermasterGrubmasterCheermaster

Patrol Scribe


Patrol Scribe


Troop Guide

New-Scout Patrol Leader

Den Chief

Patrol Leaders Council

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Scoutmaster

TROOP ORGANIZATION CHART for a Small Troop

Assistant Scoutmaster New Scout

Assistant Scoutmaster

Venture

Senior PatrolLeader

Assistant Senior Patrol

Leader

Patrol Leader Venture Patrol


Quartermaster

Troop Guide

New-Scout Patrol Leader

Den Chief


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SENIOR PATROL LEADER

Position description: Elected by the Scouts to represent them as the top youth leader in the troop.

Reports to: The Scoutmaster

SENIOR PATROL LEADER

Duties:

• Runs all troop meetings, events, activities, and the annual program planning conference.

• Chairs the Patrol Leaders Council meeting.

• Appoints other troop youth leaders with the advice and counsel of the Scoutmaster.

• Assigns duties and responsibilities to youth leaders.

• Assists the Scoutmaster with youth leadership training.

• Set and enforce the tone for good Scout behavior .

• Sets a good example.

• Enthusiastically wears the Scout uniform correctly.

• Lives by the Scout Oath and Law.

• Shows and help develop Scout spirit.

Reports to: The Scoutmaster15

ASSISTANT SENIOR PATROL LEADER

Position description: Appointed by the Senior Patrol Leader with the approval of the Scoutmaster. Acts as the Senior Patrol Leader in his absence or when called upon. He also provides leadership to other youth leaders in the troop.

Reports to: The Senior Patrol Leader

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ASSISTANT SENIOR PATROL LEADER

Duties:

• Helps the Senior Patrol Leader lead meetings and activities.

• Runs the troop in the absence of the Senior Patrol Leader.

• Helps train and supervise the troop scribe, quartermaster, instructor, librarian, historian, and chaplain's aide.

• Serves as a member of the Patrol Leaders Council.


• Enthusiastically and correctly wears the Scout uniform.

• Lives the Scout Oath and Law.

• Shows Scout spirit.

• Lends a hand controlling the patrol and building patrol spirit.

• Wears the uniform correctly.


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PATROL LEADER

Position description: Appointed/elected leader of his patrol. He represents his patrol on the Patrol Leaders Council.


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PATROL LEADER

Duties:

• Appoints the assistant Patrol Leader.

• Represents the patrol on the Patrol Leaders 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.

• Sets the example.


• Lives the Scout Oath and Law.



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ASSISTANT PATROL LEADER

Position description: Appointed by the Patrol Leader and leads the patrol in his absence.

Reports to: The Patrol Leader

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ASSISTANT PATROL LEADER

Duties:

• Helps the Patrol Leader plan and steer patrol meetings and activities.

• Helps him keep patrol members informed.

• Helps the patrol get ready for all troop activities.

• Represents his patrol at Patrol Leaders Council meetings when the Patrol Leader cannot attend.

Reports to: The Patrol Leader

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TROOP QUARTERMASTER

Position description: Manages troop equipment and sees that it is in good working order.

Reports to: The Assistant Senior Patrol Leader

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TROOP QUARTERMASTER

Duties:

• Keeps records on patrol and troop equipment.

• Makes sure equipment is in good working condition.

• Issues equipment and makes sure it is returned in good condition.

• Makes suggestions for new or replacement items.

• Works with the troop committee member responsible for equipment.






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TROOP SCRIBE

Position description: Keeps the troop records. He records the activities of the Patrol Leaders Council and keeps a record of dues, advancement, and Scout attendance at troop meetings.


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TROOP SCRIBE

Duties:

• Attends and keeps a log of Patrol Leaders Council meetings.

• Records individual Scout attendance and dues payments.

• Records individual Scout advancement progress.

• Works with the troop committee member responsible for records and finance.






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TROOP HISTORIAN

Position description: Preserves troop photographs, news stories, trophies, flags, scrapbooks, awards, and other memorabilia.


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TROOP HISTORIAN

Duties:

• Gathers pictures and facts about troop activities and keeps them in a historical file or scrapbook.

• Takes care of troop trophies, ribbons, and souvenirs of troop activities.

• Keeps information about former members of the troop.






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TROOP LIBRARIAN

Position description: Oversees the care and use of troop books, pamphlets, magazines, audiovisuals, and merit badge books.


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TROOP LIBRARIAN

Duties:

• Sets up and takes care of a troop library.

• Keeps records of books and pamphlets owned by the troop.

• Adds new or replacement items as needed.

• Keeps books and pamphlets available for borrowing.

• Keeps a system for checking books and pamphlets in and out, and follows up on late returns.






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TROOP GUIDE

Position description: Works with new Scouts and helps them feel comfortable and earn their First Class rank in their first year. Appointed by the Scoutmaster.

Reports to: The Assistant Scoutmaster for the new-Scout patrol

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TROOP GUIDE

Duties:

• Introduces new Scouts to troop operations.

• Helps new Scouts earn First Class rank in their first year.

• Teaches basic Scout skills.

• Coaches the Patrol Leader of the new-Scout patrol on his duties.

• Attends Patrol Leaders Council meetings with the Patrol Leader of the new-Scout patrol.

• Counsels individuals Scouts on Scouting challenges.





Reports to: The Assistant Scoutmaster for the new-Scout patrol

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INSTRUCTOR

Position description: Teaches Scouting skills. Appointed by the Scoutmaster.


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INSTRUCTOR

Duties:

• Teaches basic Scouting skills in troop and patrols.






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CHAPLAIN AIDE

Position description: Works with the troop chaplain to meet the religious needs of Scouts in the troop. He also works to promote the religious emblems program. Appointed by the Scoutmaster.


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CHAPLAIN AIDE

Duties:

• Assists the troop chaplain with religious services at troop activities.

• Tells Scouts about the religious emblem program for their faith.

• Makes sure religious holidays are considered during the troop program planning process.

• Helps plan for religious observance in troop activities.






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DEN CHIEF

Position description: Works with the Cub Scouts, Webelos Scouts, and den leaders in the Cub Scout pack.

Reports to: The Den Leader in the pack and the Assistant Scoutmaster for the new-Scout patrol in the troop.

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DEN CHIEF

Duties:

• Knows the purposes of Cub Scouting.

• Helps Cub Scouts advance through Cub Scout ranks.

• Encourages Cub Scouts to join a Boy Scout troop.

• Is a friend to the boys in the den.

• Helps out at weekly den meetings and monthly pack meetings.

• Meets with adult members of the den, pack, and troop as necessary.

• Sets the example.




Reports to: The Den Leader in the pack and the Assistant Scoutmaster for the new-Scout patrol in the troop

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JUNIOR ASSISTANT SCOUTMASTER

Position description: Serves in the capacity of an Assistant Scoutmaster except where legal age and maturity are required. He must be at least 16 years old and not yet 18. He is appointed by the Scoutmaster because of his leadership ability.


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JUNIOR ASSISTANT SCOUTMASTER

Duties:

• Functions as an assistant Scoutmaster.

• Performs duties as assigned by the Scoutmaster.






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ORDER OF THE ARROW TROOP REPRESENTATIVE

Duties:Serve as a communication link between the lodge or chapter and the troop.• Encourage year-round and resident camping in the troop.• Encourage older-Scout participation in high-adventure programs.• Encourage Scouts to actively participate in community service projects.• Assist with leadership skills training in the troop.• Encourage Arrowmen to assume leadership positions in the troop.• Encourage Arrowmen in the troop to be active participants in lodge and/or chapter activities and to seal their membership in the Order by becoming Brotherhood members.• Set a good example.• Wear the Scout uniform correctly.• Live by the Scout Oath, Scout Law, and OA Obligation.• Show and help develop Scout spirit.


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THE SCOUT-LED TROOP

What are the DRIVING FORCES for a successful boy-led troop?

The Scout Oath and The Scout Law

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What is Leadership?

• Teamwork• Using each other’s strengths• Not trying to do it all yourself• Doing what you said you’d do• Being reliable• Keeping each other informed• Being responsible• Caring for others• Delegating• Setting the example• Praising in public, criticizing in private• Leading yourself

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Patrol Leader’s Council• Patrol leaders’ council plan and run the troop’s program &

activities.• Composed of specific members of the troop leadership

team• Scout leaders meets routinely to fine-tune upcoming

troop meetings and outings. • Senior patrol leader runs the patrol leaders’ council

meeting• Scoutmaster and other adult leaders attend as coaches,

mentors, and information resources. • Scoutmaster allows the senior patrol leader and Scouts to

run the meetings and make decisions, stepping in with suggestions and guidance whenever that will enhance the program for the troop and Scouts.

“The object of the patrol method is not so much saving the Scoutmaster trouble as to give responsibility to the boy.”

—Robert S. S. Baden-Powell45

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Servant Leader

Why should YOU become a leader?

Qualities of a servant leader:Listening

Healing

Persuasion

Foresight

Growth

Empathy

Awareness

Conceptualization

Stewardship

Building community

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What do the Scouts think?

You need to find out!

Get to know the Scouts you lead.

What do they want?

What do they need?

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Module TwoTools of the Trade

• Communication

• Planning

• Teaching EDGE

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Communications

• Discussion: The Greek philosopher Aristotle broke

communications down into three parts:

• A sender—A message—A receiver. This is still a valid model

today. It applies to all forms of communication: verbal, written,

music, film, signaling, pantomime, teaching, etc.

• Receiving (Listening). Understanding the value of being a good

receiver is a helpful foundation for a leader.

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Planning

• Planning is figuring out what it will take to make that come together smoothly

• Ask questions—develop answers

• “what do we do if ‘x’ happens?

• “Who is responsible for making that part happen?”

• Don’t presume that something needed will be there or just happen

• Check on it—then you’ll know that it’s taken care of

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Tools for successful troops:

Troop calendar

Troop meetings

Troop activities


Public service

Outdoor activities

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Patrols are successful through:

Patrol meetings

Patrol activities

Patrol names / patches / yells

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“The patrol method is not a way to operate a Boy Scout troop, it is the only way.

Unless the patrol method is in operation, you don't really have a Boy Scout troop.”

—Robert S. S. Baden-Powell

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National Honor Patrol AwardAwarded to patrols whose members make an extra effortto have the best patrol possible. A patrol can earn the awardby doing the following over a three-month period:

1. Have a patrol name, flag, and yell. Put the patrol design on equipment, and use the patrol yell. Keep patrol records up-to-date.

2. Hold two patrol meetings every month.

3. Take part in at least one hike, outdoor activity, or other Scouting event.

4. Complete two Good Turns or service projects approved by the patrol leaders’ council.

5. Help two patrol members advance one rank.

6. Wear the full uniform correctly at troop activities (at least 75 percent of patrol’s membership).

7. Have a representative attend at least three Patrol Leaders Council meetings.

8. Have eight members in the patrol or experience an increase in patrol membership.

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What is EDGE?

A method you will use to teach in your troop. The key to making EDGE work is to use it for all teaching opportunities. Make it a habit.

1. Explain—The trainer explains how something is done.

2. Demonstrate—After the trainer explains, the trainer demonstrates while explaining again.

3. Guide—The learner tries the skill while the trainer guides him through it.

4. Enable—The trainee works on his own under the watchful eye of the trainer. The trainer’s role in this step is to remove any obstacles to success, which enables the learner to succeed. 57

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Module ThreeLeadership and Teamwork

• Introduction to Leadership and Teamwork

• Teams and Team Characteristics

• Stages and Team Development

• Inclusion

• Leadership Ethics and Values

• Vision

• Wrap up ILST

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Intro to Leadership and Teamwork

• What do we mean by “team”?

Definition: The word “team” applies to any group working together on acommon goal.

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Teams &Team Characteristics

• Common Purpose

• Interdependence

• Appropriate Roles, Structure, and Process

• Leadership and Competence

• Team Climate

• Performance Standards

• Clarity and Understanding of Boundaries63

Stages & Team Development

Where the group is?

Team Skill Level and Enthusiasm

• Skill Level—Generally, the skill level of the team starts low and increases as the team grows together and gets better at working as a team.

• Enthusiasm—Often, unlike skill level, enthusiasm usually starts out high but can thentake a sudden dip. Then, as the team members explore their differences and align their expectations with reality, the team begins to achieve results and enthusiasm begins to rise again.

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Inclusion

• As a leader, learning to effectively include, engage, and use each member of your team is an important skill.

• Leaders want to look at their team and see how best to involve and use the skills of every person, not just a few friends or the strongest individuals.

• Leaders also want to understand the needs and goals of each individual person and how all the members of the team can help each team member achieve their individual goals.

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Leadership Ethics & Values

• Boy Scout Handbook

• Scout Oath On my honor . . . as a leader …I will do my best . . . as a leader …to do my duty . . . as a leader… to God and my country . . . as a leader …and to obey the Scout Law . . . as a leader to help other people at all times . . . as a leader… to keep myself physically strong . . . as a leader …mentally awake . . . as a leader… and morally straight . . . as a leader…

• Scout Law67

Servant Leaders

• Need to listen and know when the time for discussion is over .• Achieve consensus and know when to preserve things that are good without foundering in a constant storm of question and reinvention.• Set/maintain standards and know when to reject what does not maintain those standards or the team vision.• Serve their customers and know how to make a difference with the team.

Please think about how you can be a servant leader in your current role in the troop

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How do you know if you’re doing your job (and doing it well)?

Who do you answer to?Your Troop supervisor/boss

Your parents

Your teachers

Your God (as you understand Him)

Your Self

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Translating the Troop Vision …

… into your Personal Vision

Youth-led organization

Lifelong skillsMen of character

Scouting and citizen skillsScout Oath and Scout LawService and help to others

Exciting and challenging program

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Vision

Our troop will be a premier youth-led and adult-supported organization postured toward developing lifelong skills in boys and helping them to develop into men of character.

They will possess Scouting and citizen skills; adhere to the Scout Oath and Scout Law; serve their families, schools, communities and nation; and help others to achieve Scouting’s goals.

And they will do this through an exciting and challenging Scouting program.

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You are now officially trained in your leadership position.

For you as a leader, now the hard stuff starts.

Earn your position…

Congratulations!

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http://www.longcanescouting.org/graphics/images/CentennialTrainedPatch.jpg

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Start, Stop, Continue?

Start

What should we start doing that we are not currently doing?

Stop

What do we stop doing that is not working?

Continue

What should we continue doing that is working well and helps us succeed?

Documents

Introduction to Leadership Skills for Troops. “Training boy leaders to run their troop is the Scoutmaster's most important job.” “Train Scouts to do a