Leading with Leadership Skills

Robin Tameka Smith

Background

Kevin was a senior in high school and just took a leadership class to help him in his new role as the band coordinator. Kevin had to plan a school fundraiser for new band instruments for the band team. The fundraiser provided students with suitable instruments for a successful year. 

The Dilemma

Kevin controlled the budget, oversaw marketing and was responsible for getting as many people to attend the event as possible. Kevin had different ideas and visions for the fundraiser than his team. Mary the volunteer coordinator had a different idea about how to recruit volunteers. Kevin wanted Mary to assign volunteers different tasks and Mary wanted to give volunteers flexible opportunities. Linn was the Administration and wanted the fundraiser to have a significant impact and raise enough money to buy new music equipment for the Music Department. Mariah was in control of marketing and wanted to inform the community and public about the upcoming event using social media. Kevin's Dilemma was to bring these ideas together, motivate the team, and plan a successful fundraiser. 

Decision-Making Process

Kevin worked with the team of volunteers, peers, and an administrator. They talked about different ways to collaborate. Everyone had a different idea and vision for the fundraiser Kevin was open and willing to discuss ideas. He organized activities that helped the team build a relationship and work together. Kevin implemented weekly meetings to talk about the team's interests and concerns.

The Decision

Kevin decided to adjust the plans based on the needs of his team. He decided to work as peers with his team to coordinate the final decisions to impact and raised enough money for the school to buy new band instruments for the upcoming school year.

Outcomes

Kevin worked with his team to ensure all team members are involved in the decision-making process despite their different ideas. Kevin ensured that the team was motivated and worked as a team using leadership skills to help motivate, communicate, direct his team.

Discussion Questions

1. How did Kevin use leadership skills to work with his team to accomplish their goal?
2. How did Kevin use leadership skills to create a positive atmosphere that encouraged communication and set an example for his team? 
3. What strategies could Kevin use to get more cooperation within his team, mainly because they all had their ideas?
4. How should Kevin use leadership skills to motivate his team? 
5. What leadership skills did Kevin use to get his team to achieve the common purpose?

License

This case study is licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.