The Patrol Leader's Notebook

6. Getting the Best out of Other People

Learning from those who have experienced success in leadership, here follows a list of tips on how to go about winning people over to your side.

• Be patient with people and be kind to them. Never underestimate the power of caring and kindness; our fourth part of the Scout Law tells us this if nothing else.
• Try the Scout slogan of doing a Good Turn to your people every day - and remember that the best kind of Good Turn is one where no-one else knows you are doing it.
• If someone makes a mistake or does something bad, don't criticise him as a person. The best way to be sure your fellow does no make the same mistake again is to make him feel good about himself.
• Always keep your word, your promise and be honest - A Scout's Honour is to be trusted. Your Patrol members will forgive you almost everything except dishonesty.
• Think good, and say good, of other people, and expect good from them, and in most cases that good will follow.
• Good communication means listening - really listening to the other fellow's point of view, and not always being so keen to make sure he hears you.
• Praise and thank people whenever you can - as long as you are sincere.
• Remember the Law of the Jungle from Kipling's Jungle Book: "When you fight with a wolf of the Pack, fight him alone and afar; lest others take part in the quarrel, and the pack be diminished by war".
• Be willing to help your fellow Patrol members always. Sometimes this might mean letting them know they have done something wrong - don't shy from that, as long as it is done kindly.
• Have fun with your Patrol members - laugh, take time off for just being friends together.

Next: Representing your Patrol