In a dynamic support group, ideally, there is not just one leader. Different people lead during different parts of the process. Fluid leadership is a system in which people figure out what they are good at, and that shapes their roles within the team. In a sense, the team itself becomes the leader. This may seem a bit confusing, initially, yet there is something profoundly truthful about it.
Former NFL football coach Marty Schottenheimer offers this insight into what it means for “the team” to be the leader of the team: “The most successful teams that I have been around were those where the players drove the machine. I am not talking about during the game. I am talking about in the locker room, in the meeting room, and on the practice field. Certain conditions were set. And they weren’t set by the coaches as much as they were by the players themselves. There was a level of expectation in terms of preparation, effort and so forth. If certain players fell short, the other guys were quick to say, “Get with it.”
As a chapter, let’s take some time to talk with each other and consider the value of team leadership. If we create an environment in which each member is free to take initiative and demonstrate leadership, the job as a leader becomes much easier. We can
- coach one another
- motivate one another
- hold each other accountable for the goals we set
- personally and
- as a group
- celebrate and praise every victory together and
- bond into a powerful entity called a team!
Who will lead your chapter on an exciting journey this week? Let’s discover the best within and around us.
I Care, Barb
By Lucille B. Banks October 24, 2015
I am a new leader and need some good advice how to deal with four members that have been in this chapter for many years and are having a hard time accepting change. I replaced a leader that passed away and received no guidance. The only guidance I have is the TOPS Headquarters By-laws, the chapter manual and the chapter’s by-laws. I asked by appointed Weight Recorder who is one of the members in this chapter that has been a member longer than myself to see the official weight charts for each member and she refused to give it to me because she said it was confidential. I told her I had a right as the leader to see them. The other 3 members that I mentioned above all agreed with her. Was there at sometime in the TOPS Headquarters rules that right only for Weight Recorders to confidential paperwork? Also these four members will not even read the chapter manual and try the suggested guide lines. They want to use the systems that work for them and state as long as the outcome is the same, so what! I am only trying to make their jobs easier and less paperwork.
Lucille Banks
Leader
0015 Kansas City, MO
By Barb Cady October 26, 2015
I will be sending you an email.
I Care, Barb
By Barbara J Frost October 19, 2015
This weekend Alice Payne leader and myself from TopsVt0133Groton attended officers and inspiration workshop. I was surprised to see so few there. Why I am not sure as it was put on our coordinator Karen Macedo and Judy New England Regional Director. The day just flew by. It was very up lifting and when I offered ideas they were there for me the group as a whole was small but we all had different ideas to put a spark in our chapters. Let’s work hard to keep Tops going. If you don’t take time for your health today, you’ll have to make time for your illness tomorrow. Tops love and hugs, Barbara Frost,
TopsVt0133Groton
By Barb Cady October 24, 2015
You are 100% right, Barbara. I am so grateful for those of you who took the time to benefit from the meeting and know you will reach out and share with thers the wonderful opportunity that they missed by not being there. Judy and Karen do such excellent jobs and are truly dedicated to helping.
I Care, Barb
By Evelyn V Britton October 14, 2015
I also believe it take each and everyone to create a good club team… We need to cheer each others success and help when we gain without being judgmental..
By Barb Cady October 16, 2015
Very true. Evelyn!