Claire's List of Leadership Do's and Don'ts:
- DO: Meet with your class advisor often. It's important that they know details about the progress you make and things you plan. They're there for a reason, to help guide and assist you in important matters that pertain to activities your team plans.
- DO: Keep an organized document or shared file that lays out your year. In personal experience, our class had one shared doc that was a schedule of all the events we were in charge of and contained details about each of them. This helps to keep track of what you've done and need to prepare for as well as makes sure that all members are on the same page.
- DO: Get together with your class officers before important events approach. One of the best things a leader can do in preparation for events is communicate with those planning it. Making sure that you have a good grasp on how it's outlined and who is specifically in charge of what is crucial.
- DO: Make it a point to give credit and gratitude as much as possible. This is something I wish I had done more throughout the year but letting people know that you appreciate and acknowledge the work they accomplish is so important. Words of affirmation can go an incredibly long way.
- DON'T: Wait till the last minute to discuss plans. I promise you that just "winging it" never works out the way you anticipate it will. If you plan your events early and with through detail then it ends up being a lot less stress in the moment. There will always be things that go haywire the day of so you want to make sure that you set yourself up for success, not failure.
- DON'T: Let problems and tension build. If you see an issue, or something that could build into one, address it as soon as possible. If you think that ignoring it or simply hoping it will get better is going to solve it you're wrong! Communication in every aspect of being a leader is vital. If people (including yourself) are not aware of errors then how can you expect anything to be resolved?
- DON'T: Be selfish. Yes, this one really is as simple as it sounds. While we do work on self improvement in this program, our main goal is giving back to community and improving the lives of others. Only doing things your way or wanting to take the easy way out benefits nobody! Take other people into perspective and never lose sight of the main goal. Lead by example and put in the effort that you want to see from others.
- DON'T: Let yourself get dejected by the opinions of others. This one is much easier said than done, but it's extremely important regardless. You and your team are the only ones who truly know how hard you work and how much effort you put into events to make them great. There will always (and I mean ALWAYS) be people who shit on the things you accomplish! Try not to diminish your successes because of negative comments from people who aren't in your shoes.