From experience, there are many things that go into being a good leader, and even more things that go into being a great leader. We had to apply for something new our team tried this year, which were "Section Leader" positions. We had to go though an interview process, and I'm very glad to say I got 3 of the 5 positions I applied for (and the other two no one else applied for, so they went un-headed, and I worked in those categories). A few things I think you need to look at for being an individual section leader would be:
- Like... no. LOVE what you want to do. Robotics is an extra circular activity, and while learning engineering/life skills, you should also be having fun. Going into a position that you don't like every day won't be good for you, the team, or those you're leading.
- Being a leader does not mean you personally take on every job in that section. It means you are teaching students what it takes to do that, making sure everything gets done, and be able to manage time so everything gets done, yet coordinate it between several students, so no one is waiting on someone else to finish a project or assignment.
- Being a leader is more then just a title, or to prove you're the best at something (if you want to look at it that way, which I suggest you don't), it's being able to train people and work along side of people so you can move up and along, and that individual section can continue to grow.
- Being able to work with and teach team members is important. If you can't get along with anyone on the team, you can't be expected to work ALONG SIDE of them. Same for teaching. If you can't show someone how to do something, or help someone when they need it, being a leader may not be the right job.
- Something I stressed in the last point, being an individual leader does not mean you are above everyone else. You are a part of a TEAM that works together. Being an individual section leader, you are expected to work with your group and get things done. However, you can't end up doing EVERYTHING in that section. It's not fair to the other members of the team.
- Posses leadership qualities, such as determination, hard work, openness, humility, assertiveness, ect.
From experience, those are a few things that go into being a individual section leader. Luckily, I'm also 2337's team leader this year. Although I can not speak too much of what it takes, I've had a month or so of being in that position, and a few things I've noticed it takes:
- Leadership qualities, as previously mentioned in the last bullets. If you can't lead a small group, you can't lead a whole team.
- Honestly, popularity has something to do with it. If no one on your team can stand you, or you do not get along with members, no one will want you as a leader. That's not to say acting like you like people will help you. You must genuinely enjoy your team members, and want to work along side of them.
- Stepping up and taking responsibility. I know I've been working closely on PR things we've been doing (although that was my job before I got team leader), working with head mentors on off-season planning and team building, putting in those extra hours, being able to work at home, doing whatever it takes to make your team the best it can possibly be!
- Again, you have to love what you do. I didn't get to where I am now by showing up a few days a week to robotics and doing the minimum I needed to do. I stepped up as a Freshman and took on brand new things on the team, shaping the things we do now. I didn't put in all the work and all the hours because I wanted to be a leader, but I wanted to do it for the team. I knew it'd better further the team, which should always come first.
- Taking a few for the team. If something needs to be done, maybe someone needs to put in a few extra hours here, go do a few things there, be the one to do it. Step up to the need for a leader, and take on those responsibilities happily.
- Be knowledgeable. Our previous captains have been VERY good at what they do. We've selected the best of our mechanical guys, the best of our electrical guys, but never (before myself) had we selected someone from the PR side of our team. I was good (and if not good, then dedicated) at what I did.
- Continual improvement, one of my personal mottos. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS be looking for a way to improve the team. This will separate good leaders from great leaders.
Just my take on the topic. Again, I don't have tons of experience with a team captain, but I have had quite a bit already, and tons of experience with individual group leadership. Again, these aren't all the things that it takes to be a leader. If you have questions, feel free to private message me, and I'll help.
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Originally Posted by davidthefat
But where is the line between hogging the code and just contributing?
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There are different ways of looking at this. If you program in LabVIEW, try delegating some VI's to other people. Give the new members some easier ones, and some of the experienced members the harder ones. If you feel you are the best one for the job, do the really hard stuff yourself (such as sensors and autonomous, especially if you're looking towards a very autonomous robot). Just make sure you're setting deadlines, making sure things get done, but you don't (and shouldn't) have to do it all yourself.
Another part of being a leader is admitting at times that you might not be the best one for the job. As an example, our team is working on a Chairman's award. I'm working with a group of people and delegating taks that need to get done. I was able to admit I am not the best one to write an essay, but maybe the best one to do the video. I'd go to someone else who is better than me and ask them if they'll take that task.