Leadership in Scouting

Leadership in Scouting is not about “being the boss”.  It is about developing a mutual respect between the leader and those who he will be leading.  Simply put, it is fulfilling the scout law at its highest level.  Following these ideals will put you on the right path of leadership.

A Leader is trustworthy – The leader must always work to gain and maintain the trust of the scouts that he serves.  They must believe that he is leading them in the right direction.

A Leader is Loyal – The leader knows he has a greater responsibility to “be there” both physically and emotionally for the scouts he serves.

A Leader is Helpful – The leader must continue to learn, both skills and plans to be able to help all the members of his patrol/troop.

A Leader is Friendly – The leader is not only a scout who will celebrate and have fun with his scouts when times are good, but will be there and help any of his scouts when they are having difficulty.

A Leader is Courteous - The leader does not “boss” scouts around.  He tells them what is a happening, what is required of each scout and why.

A Leader is Kind – The leader always praises other scouts when appropriate in public, so others can share in their success.  He will never “put down” a scout, and will privately discuss problems with a scout.  If there is still difficulty, he will ask for help from another responsible authority.

A Leader is Obedient – A leader also knows that there is someone else that he must answer to as well.  Whether that is the ASPL, SPL, ASM or SM, he will do his best to show respect and work with them.  If there is a disagreement, they will do their best to discuss and come to an agreement.

A Leader is Cheerful -  A leader knows that his attitude will directly affect his group.  Knowing this, a leader always does his best to smile and find the positive side of any task at hand.

A Leader is Thrifty – A scout leader knows that most activities of the troop cost money, and while planning as a part of the PLC, they need to try and plan activities that scouts may participate without having to spend a lot of money.

A Leader is Brave – An old leader once said, “You can’t lead from behind”.  The scout leader is willing to go out front and “take the lead”, try new things and experience scouting at its best.  The leader must also be brave enough to say no, and stand up for his scouts when any one of them may be subject to bullying.

A Leader is Clean – The leader is the representative of his troop/patrol.  How he looks to others will have a direct impact on people’s opinion of the troop/patrol.  A clean, well pre-prepared leader will show to others that this group is “ready to go”!!

A Leader is Reverent -  The leader shows respect for and supports all scouts regardless of who they are or their beliefs.  He respects that one of the basic ideas in all religions is to do unto others as you would have them do to you and he does his best to live to that ideal.

It’s a tough list.  No one said that it should be easy, but if you can live and work with these principles, you will have a very rewarding experience as a leader, and those who follow you will be very glad they did.