PL's bag of tricks
This can be used as a yarn when coaching young patrol leaders on how to be a better leader - adapt it to highlight the difficulties the PL is facing.
What works really well is having a drawstring bag (like a mess kit bag) with all the items inside, and you bring each out one at a time giving the advice as it is put out on the table. Keep the number of items to 7 - 10, to avoid it getting too drawn out.
The PL's bag of tricks
A Compass
- Keep direction and give guidance.
A Coin
- Flip it! Make a decision - a less than perfect decision is better than nothing, you can correct it!
A Hankey
- For the tears ... for the nose.. for the cuts.
A Pencil
- Take notes, keep records, make lists, you won't remember everything.
A Magnifying glass
- Look closely, sometimes you need look into the details.
Binoculars
- Look at the horizon - see what matters in the long run. In five years time, will it be such a big thing!?!
A Pocket knife
- Cut a dead-weight loose - let go, and move on! Say no more.
Lifesaver sweets
- For rewards and for encouragement. People just respond better to positive feedback.