Question

When you have worked in student groups, how frequently have leaders emerged in the group? What difficulties occur when leaders are your peers? Are there ways to overcome these difficulties?

Answer 1

There are frequent cases when leaders emerged from the student group. There are a few students who take it upon themselves (take lead) to formulate a plan, guide and manage the team. When the leaders are your peers, you may find it hard to take orders from them considering they are at the same level. Basically, it is human tendency to have an ego clash in such a situation.

A good leader can overcome these difficulties by listening carefully to everyone and by observing what triggers each person. He/she must be able to communicate politely and take everyone's suggestions in order to gain acceptance from the group. Further, a leader must remain humble in all situations and share credit with his team when it is due.