Traits, Teamwork, and Vision

Effective leaders think positively and envision success. They possess a winning attitude and are able to assess the abilities of their team. Not only do they they think positive, but they talk positive. They are able to honestly determine the challenges facing them but they do not let fear or apprehension overcome their ability to see a positive outcome. They build up rather than tear down. The smile rather than frown.

If something or someone is seen to be a negative they get busy trying to determine why. Perhaps it is a lack of experience or a past failure. Someone may not really feel included in the group and consequently behave in a way that is counterproductive. Maybe there is not enough time or finances to execute the project.

Once the cause is ascertained the leader finds a way to overcome the challenge. If there is not enough money in the council's treasury for the project a fund raiser must take place first.. A nervous team member may need to practice prior to a presentation. It will be important that s/he receives both encouragement and kind suggestions on how to improve their presentation. Opportunities to practice in a comfortable, helpful, environment is likely to create confidence as well as a willingness to go forward. Another team member might need to be invited to take on a particular responsibility, showing that they are both need and important to the success of the team.

A real leader is able to envision a successful game, solution, product, service or event. They are able to build a team of people with the talents necessary to achieving the goal and they can communicate their vision clearly to others. They are able to move toward the goal taking realistic, workable steps forward.

The word leader assumes followers and a true leader realizes that they do no need to act alone. On the contrary, they know that the most successful project, program or event will be the one others are involved in through their own participation in decision-making, planning and production. Not only is leader able to share his or her vision, s/he is willing to share the glory as well as the work.


speakermanPublic Speaking Tips
■ If you stumble or stutter, keep talking. Don’t repeat the garbled word until you “get it right” (unless the word’s meaning is pivotal to the speech.)

■ Videotape your performance, if possible. When viewing it, write down ways to improve your performance.

■ Keep your gestures consistent with the content of your speech. Gesturing with your palms facing the floor, for example, indicates a negative response.

■ Avoid speaking from a podium unless the situation dictates it. Speakers establish a greater rapport with their audience by standing “with” them rather than hiding behind a barricade.

■ Organization, poise, sincerity, and a confident demeanor add to the audience’s interest and pleasure.

ActivitiesideasActivities

IDEAS!

A Special Kind of Book Drive
Sponsor a book drive to collect books for students in underprivileged schools. Encourage every student to donate five books. Sort the books by reading level and distribute them to needy local schools.

Charity Scavenger Hunt
Here’s a creative way to collect food, clothing, and toys for charity. Find a central meeting place in your neighborhood and distribute a list of items to all the participants - food, clothing, toys - then go on a scavenger hunt to collect the items. The first person to collect all the items on the list wins. There are a few rules: participants can’t go to their own house, they can’t receive more than three items from any one house, and they can’t buy anything. After the hunt is over they all return to the starting point for hot chocolate and snacks. It would be a good idea to pass out flyers in the neighborhood, advertizing this event ahead of time.

Soup “n” Socks Drive
Conduct a drive to collect canned goods and socks for the needy in your community. Each can of soup distributed should have a pair of socks attached.

Student Recognition
To recognize student and staff achievements why not add an “Acknowledgments” section to your student council meeting agendas. Officers take a few minutes at each meeting to recognize outstanding athletic, academic, or personal performances, or random acts of kindness. After making the announcements, council members fill out an acknowledgment form that is delivered to the person being recognized.

You Can Make a Difference
Designate one class period each year when all 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th graders write a “thank you” letter to someone who has helped them or who has made a difference in their lives. The students can deliver their letter or give it to a teacher to deliver for them.