I want to be an FTA

[MrRoboSteve]

The FTA almost exclusively leads through a participative/democratic leadership style, operating as a coach of volunteers at varying levels of skill. The rare occasions I remember seeing a FTA use an authoritative style have been related to safety issues.

If you can derive personal satisfaction from seeing others be successful, delivering a successful event, and being largely in the background, you have one of the key attributes of the FTA. Alternatively, if the positional authority of the FTA fills a need for you to be "in charge," giving orders, and recognized as the singular leader, you're both likely to be disappointed in the role and unlikely to be considered.

[Jon Stratis]

Originally Posted by MrRoboSteve

The FTA almost exclusively leads through a participative/democratic leadership style, operating as a coach of volunteers at varying levels of skill. The rare occasions I remember seeing a FTA use an authoritative style have been related to safety issues.

I would say this is true of most of the key volunteer positions. 99% of the time as an LRI, I'm there as a resource for my inspectors to use. Across the past 5 years (11 events where I was the LRI and 7 where I wasn't but wore my vest and supported the LRI) I can only think of 3 times I had to be authoritative towards another volunteer. Honestly, it sucks having to do it (Like seriously sucks... I'm not at all built for a management position that has to handle those awkward talks), but there can be times where you can't avoid it. A vast majority of the time, you can get by with a helpful attitude and a little coaching/mentorship.