The following "Captain Obvious" thoughts about leading a group came about one evening when, in the middle of an event, my group had a blow out. One of the guild leaders and the raid leader had it out and left the rest of us standing there staring at each other. These are key things to remember when you are leading a group or when you are a leader who is participating as an individual contributor.
1. Set expectations at the beginning. Setting/Managing them after people have already created their own is a lot more difficult
2. Set expectations on how differences should be resolved
3. Don't push people to make decisions - give them time to process the information you just gave them
4. If you aren't the leader - Even if you know more than they do - let the leader lead. Make suggestions - not demands.
5. When leading - listen - acknowledge - and then make your own decsion - and be clear about it.
6. Be willing to change your plan when new information comes in
7. Don't make ultimatums - people may take you up on them
8. Try not to have important serious conversations when you are angry or otherwise impaired
9. If you caused a ruckus - own up to it and apologize - admit your mistakes and indicate what you have learned
10. People will follow a real leader - even if it's out the door
11. Don't go on power trips - you might not come back
12. People will help others of lesser skill learn if they also get time to improve their skill set.
Monday, February 2, 2009
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