What does it take to be a group leader?
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Imagine for a moment that something happened to SearchWarp. The website has been turned upside-down and the only people left are in the little group of writers that you've been associated with, and YOU are now in charge. What happened to Bruce? In a twist of fate, you've hired him to do the technical work and build out the back-end of the website so it does what you know it needs to do to support you and your fellow writers.
You find the main ingredients to a writers' community scribbled on a crumpled-up piece of paper. It reads:
1. Provide a safe and supportive environment for writers to practice their craft.
2. Provide encouragement to writers.
3. Provide direction to writers, inspiring them to write.
4. Improve the quality of writing, so more readers are attracted (quality = unique and compelling content.)
5. Attract new writers.
You realize that sometimes, to do the above, you may have to give a writer the boot. You can't let the soft-spoken be overrun by the shouters. You hope it never comes to that.
You think back to things that have worked on SearchWarp in the past. Picks-of-the-day, special home page placement, contests, the readers' club, badges and points, halls-of-fame. You might want to try some of these again, but you can't help but think you might have some better ideas.
It's a daunting challenge, but you'll have help. It is a community, after all.
Bruce may occasionally tell you that your ideas are impractical or implausible and sometimes he might just refuse to follow orders, because that's just the way he is, even though he works for you. He can be cantankerous.
Are you up to the challenge of being a group leader?
Answers to this question:I'm kind of with Gregory on this ... I think ... if I understand what he wrote ... which I may not.
I've been managers of various departments in the past. I've been team leaders. I've taken charge in certain situations simply because it needed to be done. I've never really enjoyed any of it. Then, you also would need the extra time to devote to it.
I've always been told I am good at it, but frankly, once I was given the authority and responsibility, it usual wasn't long before the job would overwhelm me and I would get so stressed that I would become chronically ill and have to quit. I hate having to admit what I consider to be a failing, but there it is.
A team leader would have to be able to handle the added responsibility. They would have to figure out a way to continue to be the writer they want to be and also "mom" or "dad" to the writers on their team. They would have to be creative for others and not just for themselves. And you'd have to enjoy a leadership role. It just puts too much pressure on me to perform and I don't deal well with that.
These are just a few of the reasons why, Bruce, that I have so much respect for what you have accomplished. We need you at the helm. I think we will always need you at the helm.
That said, I'm going to nominate several people for group leaders. I don't know if they are in the same groups already but here goes: Gregory Lewis, Teresa Ortiz (but she may be too busy), Brianna, Fran Larson, Christofer French, Paul ... oh, uh, wait a minute ... I think I was just about to nominate everyone. :) Just not me please. Seriously though, there are a lot of writers who would be very good at it and I couldn't possibly list them all.
Uh, oh. Looks like a tough job.
This reminds me of being the manager of the Deli-Bakery at Kroger....it wiould take dedication-perseverence and hard work..........
My idea of a group leader of - uh - cats is somebody who likes to stroke and enjoys the sound of purring. I think it's the best motivation in the world. I feel a bit nervous to say this, but I'm not sure that as a writer I'd appreciate somebody attempting to lead me! I definitely wouldn't want to be pressurized in any way. I suppose I don't make a very good follower.
Imagine something you're passionate about. Then imagine being a part of a group of writers who are also passionate about it. Finally, imagine someone in the group who occasionally says, "I've been thinking about it from this angle, what do you think?" and those who want to participate write about it and how they see it from that angle. I would enjoy being part of a group like that, and I would enjoy exploring my passions from different angles.
That's my idea of how a group on SW should work.
Which means you are a natural leader, Jennifer. Shall you be our leader ??
I prefer to be a follower although a follower still has pressure.
Maybe we could divide the list above and rotate once in a while. I know I would like partake in the weekly's writing assignment giving me the challenge to come up with something unique for all to write about. I would like to do that if Bruce wants my help there. Im not a techno geek however, not many writers are as creativity doesn't resonate with machines. But we can all contribute together, why not.
Just pick something, one thing only while others do the same giving Bruce and his wife time to breathe here. Yes; is there a vote for yes on this? Its something to consider and may be fun.
That would be fine, Kellie... I'm sure there will be group leaders who want to rotate and 'co-lead'. Looks like you've already found one!
Bruce, you've given us quite a detailed "job description." In the past, I was always gangbusters for a lead position and, fortunately, was always able to get a whole lot done. Sometimes, however, I let my obsessive perfection thing make me dissatisfied with results and I'd start to micromanage. Absolutely no one likes or should be micromanaged. I'd have to pull back a little or take on a much heavier workload. However, I am a great motivator. I can talk someone into producing or given more or signing on the dotted line before they even think not to. I think you have some fine leaders that have stepped up and it will be interesting to follow along.
Yeah, I'm certainly not a micromanager... Micromanaging kills creativity, and that's the last thing we want to do. Besides, I expect the the new group leaders to come up with ideas that I would have never thought of myself.
Maybe as you follow along you'll decide that you want to jump in as a leader too, that would be great.
Nope, Bruce, been there done that. I defer to all our fab leaders at this moment in time. By no means did I imply you were a micro manager. Indeed, you are the inspiration behind your site and many of us value that as much as SW, including myself. You're on to something, though, because different people bring different ideas, resources, experiences and creative processes to the table. I'm here for the people.
I haven't been on search warp all that long, but I think all of the above ideas are great. I am highly impressed by searchwarp compared to other article sites, if i would even call it that, rather writing community.
This feels like a nice warm place and I am excited to get involved. :)
Total Answers: 8, Total Page Views: 339.you have to be fair firm smart and have really good people skills! experience is an assest courage dedication devotion to yourself 1st and then others around you!
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