Hundreds of our clients are student organizations. Places where young leaders learn the joys and discomforts of "being in charge". If you are a student leader, think deeply about how your actions and thoughts align with the follow two keys to success and my specific tips for each. If you have direct influence over a student leader, please share these.
1. There is a difference between the skills it takes to get elected and the skills it takes to serve. Go into your year of service with a growth mindset. Be open to coaching and sharpening of your skills. You will receive instruction you will need this year and that you can use for a lifetime. Don't miss it.
Take notes, ask for specific feedback, don't make excuses, work to improve, mirror success you see around you, take responsibility, be honest with your weaknesses, be humble with your strengths.
2. A team of talented leaders does not make a talented team; that takes a team of talented team-focused leaders. Serve each other just as passionately and purposefully as you serve the members. Leaders leading leaders is difficult because of big personalities, people not afraid to speak their mind, people used to getting their way, etc. This can lead to disagreements, arguments and hurt feelings. Just know those are growing pains to success. Work through them, not around them. If you contribute positively to your team mates, your "team" will last much longer than one year.
Don't try to earn the approval or attention of your team - give yours generously to them first, celebrate each other's success, encourage publicly, say thank you, listen actively, spend time together even when you don't have to, be nice, give constructive comments in private, sacrifice for each other, build your team mates up with your words when they aren't around, randomly call to say hi, say I'm sorry, invest time really getting to know them.
Good luck and let us know how we can help!
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