Important Question - Leadership

[Mark Pierce]

Originally Posted by Jherbie53

as for being a student leader, my team never had one.

This is just plain incorrect. Our team has always had student leaders, including exceptional ones like you Josh. Your "leadership by example" as a student and mentor has inspired many of us to do better. What we've never had is a formally declared or designated student leader.

Our team gets by with an informal structure because of our trust in each other and the respect shown to each other. We listen to ideas from all members and try as much as possible to reach consensus decisions on most everything. The team leaders and mentors will step in to make decisions when necessary, but it's really amazing how much just happens by someone simply declaring "_____ is what has to happen by ______" and team members stepping up and getting it done.

If one or more students have to become the designated "team leader" in specific areas, they should do their best at setting a good example and treating others like they would like to be treated. Almost all team leadership problems I've heard about or witnessed start when one or more members think they know best and stop listening to others.

As for team administration duties, being in charge of them does not mean it is a one person job. We've always had students assist in as much of the planning and paperwork as they can handle.