Within our Scout Troop, whilst training the Scouts in the skills of Scout craft and developing their potential within the Fundamental Aims of Scouting, we also try to get the Scouts to remember and work to the nmemonic PATROL.
To us, this is a simple Scouting-type word (thus making it easy to remember) but which has far-reaching potential to ensure that if any Scout remembers it they will become the one person in any management training course to be the one to have in the team!
P – Problem. What is the problem, task or challenge that has been set.
A – Assess. What are we being asked to do, what can we do, what can’t we do. What do we need to question?
T – Tasks. What will we need to do to achieve the tasks. What steps do we have to do them
R – Responsibilities. Who is doing what – do they know? Who’s helping them? Who’s not doing anything?
(you don’t need a lectern to spread the information!)
O – OFF YOU GO! Everyone knows what the plan is – and what they are doing
L – Lead. For the patrol / team leader this one. Are the people doing their jobs, is the task being done correctly?
If you can remember all that – you encompass all the other great management words, tips and phrases that get brought up – and you will be a leader!!
