What is a Team Captain/Leader's Role?

[Nick_P]

I was lucky to be picked as one of two junior captains because of a lack of seniors. That first year in a role of leadership, I taught freshmen how to work with the electrical components, pneumatics, and what I knew about networking and code, while still providing a bridge between both mechanical systems and controls, and mentors and students.

This year is a bit different. In fact, a lot different. At the beginning of the build season, we were asked to step back a little bit. I realize that I can't teach my peers much more. Those that I taught last year will teach this years freshmen.

In fact, this year, it is my job to make sure that I turn the other members of the team into eligible team captains. Steve (the other co-captain) and I won't be there next year to make decisions. A captain should give decisions to younger members, remind them of both the pros and cons of each choice, and say "good luck" in hopes that they make the best decision for the team.

So, in the end, it is the captain's job to make leadership contagious.

[Taylor]

As has been said before, leadership positions and what they mean differ from team to team. Mr. Bill's "Golden Rule" (as lead mentor and lead sponsor, I have the gold, so I make the rules) wouldn't apply across the board, but it works for them.
There is a greater concept that is getting lost here - designs or decisions ought not be made by individuals - they're made by the team.
It's important to say here that team decisions should not be made by voting or consensus.
An idea shouldn't be chosen because it is popular - it should be chosen because it is right for the team and the situation - or at least it has the most amount of "right" out of all the available options.
Apply JVN's WOT if you must. It's surprisingly flexible and adaptable. But there should not be a figurehead student dictator (Mr. Bill et al. once again get the exemption). It just breeds contempt and mutinous feelings.

edit: Scott's right. Added "student" to the above.

[IndySam]

There needs to be a dictator on every team with final say but he/she needs to be benevolent and he/she needs to be an adult. A team captain should never have such authority.

[MaxMax161]

I personally think that the goal of any team leadership is to make sure the most students are the most educated and the most inspired; the best way to do that is a question for smarter people then me. Right off the bat I'm not thrilled about one person having absolute power over a team. That said one person who is rational, listens to others and is willing to do what the majority wants at times even if it conflicts with their personal views is fine by me. While that one person does have absolute power, as long as they do not exercise it with arrogance, I don't think it's a problem. The only problem with this system is that people who have the necessary attributes to fill that role as described are few and far between, and sometimes people who don't have those necessary attributes end up in that position. At the end of the day the buck has to stop with someone(s), who that(they) is (are) depends on the team.

[Taylor]

Originally Posted by IndySam

There needs to be a dictator on every team with final say but he/she needs to be benevolent and he/she needs to be an adult.

He/she also needs to have extremely thick skin, an ability to approach problems from multiple viewpoints, and an ability to clearly and concisely communicate.

[JamesBrown]

Originally Posted by http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/leader/leadcon.html

1.Know yourself and seek self-improvement - In order to know yourself, you have to understand your be, know, and do, attributes. Seeking self-improvement means continually strengthening your attributes. This can be accomplished through self-study, formal classes, reflection, and interacting with others.

2.Be technically proficient - As a leader, you must know your job and have a solid familiarity with your employees' tasks.

3.Seek responsibility and take responsibility for your actions - Search for ways to guide your organization to new heights. And when things go wrong, they always do sooner or later — do not blame others. Analyze the situation, take corrective action, and move on to the next challenge.

4.Make sound and timely decisions - Use good problem solving, decision making, and planning tools.

5.Set the example - Be a good role model for your employees. They must not only hear what they are expected to do, but also see. We must become the change we want to see - Mahatma Gandhi

6.Know your people and look out for their well-being - Know human nature and the importance of sincerely caring for your workers.

7.Keep your workers informed - Know how to communicate with not only them, but also seniors and other key people.

8.Develop a sense of responsibility in your workers - Help to develop good character traits that will help them carry out their professional responsibilities.

9.Ensure that tasks are understood, supervised, and accomplished - Communication is the key to this responsibility.

10.Train as a team - Although many so called leaders call their organization, department, section, etc. a team; they are not really teams...they are just a group of people doing their jobs.

11.Use the full capabilities of your organization - By developing a team spirit, you will be able to employ your organization, department, section, etc. to its fullest capabilities.

I came across this when I was taking one of RPI's Professional Development classes and have had it bookmarked since.