Student leaders are coaches appealing to the best in their fellow students;
they're problem solvers, advice givers, cheerleaders, and change-makers. Their
doors are always open to new ideas or just for a chat. Poor leaders are
invisible; they give orders and expect them to be carried out.
Student leaders are comfortable with all groups of people. Weak leaders are
uncomfortable with people and walk the hallways with their heads down.
The best student leaders don't have private council offices, special privileges
or closed meetings. Pretend-leaders have all these things and are always
looking for special treatment.
Student leaders lead by being visible and available at lunch and after school;
non-leaders don't see the sense in ``hanging around.''
Student leaders arrive early for events and stay late. Poor leaders get in late
and usually leave on time.
Student leaders are aware of and focused on the group's goals; they think of
ways to make people in their school enjoy the learning environment and how to
reward them. Wannabe leaders think only of the line on the
resumé, status, and how they look to outsiders.
Student leaders are good listeners. Weak leaders are good talkers.
Student leaders are persistent. Ineffective leaders persist only when their
status or that of their friends' is at stake.
Student leaders know the names of people. Non-leaders don't.
Student leaders set up, run, and clean up an event. Inadequate leaders are
above menial tasks and dirty work.
Student leaders delegate whole important jobs. Inferior leaders make all final
decisions themselves.
Student leaders can relate to all groups in the school. Impotent leaders do
not; they feel strained with people outside of their peer group.
Student leaders are fair. Non-leaders favour their friends.
Student leaders are humble. Inadequate leaders expect reward.
Student leaders are strong; they confront problems. Weak leaders are elusive;
they're never at the meeting when the responsibility is assigned.
Student leaders are available to younger students. Feeble leaders don't have
the time for anyone who isn't a senior.
Student leaders are persistent. Bad leaders persist only when their
self-interest is at stake.
Student leaders can relate to staff and administration. Second-rate leaders see
them as the enemy.
Student leaders participate in another organization's event. Poor leaders don't
participate because they're not in charge.
Student leaders take the role of leadership seriously after the election. Weak
leaders enjoy the spotlight of the election best of all.
