A strong desire to take action and try new things The ability to express themselves effectively Good at motivating others Exhibit good judgment, with the ability to think fast and retain composure under pressure Genuine interest in the opinions and ideas of others Imaginative, often coming up with creative ideas or solutions
If you are on the newspaper staff but aren’t yet a writer, pitch story ideas to the editor or volunteer to go to the football rally to interview players post-game. If you’re assigned to a project at work, schedule a meeting with the other group members to outline the project and discuss goals. Being proactive in this way will put you in a leadership position within the group right off the bat. If you’re involved with a club, organize special events to raise awareness of important issues or celebrations associated with the group (e. g. , throw a toga party fundraiser for the Latin Club, create a display at the school entrance for Black History Month, organize a pastry bake sale for the French Club, etc. ).
Dress like a leader by always appearing professional and put together. Watch your body language. Stand up straight and avoid looking bored, tired, or uninterested. Make direct eye contact when you’re talking with someone. Nod your head when you are listening.
Always keep your promises. Try to always be positive, outgoing, optimistic, and respectful. Show the group you are willing to do the same things you ask them to do. Be trustworthy and have integrity; don’t be fake or talk about people behind their backs. Be fair and encouraging to all group members, and don’t play favorites.
Assign tasks that are reasonable; impossible tasks kill morale and discourage participation. Give clear instructions for what to do, but let the person decide how to do it. Quickly recognize accomplishments for delegated tasks to boost group morale and individual self-esteem. Don’t overload one person with responsibilities; it may overwhelm them or appear to be favoritism to other members of the group.
Try partnering with like-minded groups for special events (e. g. , get the boys swim team to join the girls swim team for a carb-loading team dinner the night before a meet). Attend political fund-raisers, rallies and social events to see how more established groups represent themselves. Volunteer at an event in another community to help spread the word about the group to a different audience.
