Ten Things Scoutmasters Can Do For a Senior Patrol Leader

1. Let him own the program.
SPLs are actually responsible for the Troop program, meetings, outings, the whole megillah. If he is receiving a written plan from you he is not actually responsible for the program, he is responsible for running your idea of what the program should be.
2. Praise publicly, criticize privately
Never ever holler at or criticize your SPL in front of other Scouts. No other action will undercut his authority more completely than this.
3. Give him some direction and boundaries.
Always keep him focused on what Scouting promises Scouts. Show him where the boundaries are and point out the vast possibilities.
4. Be polite, ask permission.
Can I take a moment to say something? Do you need any adult support for that? What can I do to help you with this?
5. Encourage him
There will always be problems - challenge is good. He is responsible not to prevent problems but to lead the Troop through them.
6. Set the proper tone for leadership.
Scouts are not soldiers, you are not the captain, the SPL is not you drill sergeant. You are the coach, your SPL is the team captain, the Scouts are the players.
7. Use your authority sparingly.
When circumstances demand step in quietly (with permission) and ask questions that will lead to a course correction. Don't grab the wheel out of his hands unless the wreck is imminent.
8. Keep your distance.
Let the Scouts live their own lives, go fold a tent, conduct a Scoutmaster's conference, have a cup of coffee or watch quietly.
9. Guard the playing field.
When other adults interfere quietly redirect their attention to something else. One direct, clear statement about the role of adults is usually all that is needed.
10. Give him plenty of feedback.
Plenty is two minutes a meeting.

Comments

[mark west]

Very nice. Definitely a good reminder of what a SM should be doing with the SPL. Great Idea.
Yours in scouting service
mark w

[lonestarscouter]

Great list to remind us what our role as leaders are. Thanks for posting it.

[lonestarscouter]

One more comment. #9 is possibly the hardest one, keeping other adults out of the youth camp area and telling the SPL how to run his program at camp or meetings. I've had to escourt a few adults out of the boys camp sites over the years.