agentsquishypenguin wrote:We have 4 returning leaders, including myself. I am color guard captain and a member of the band council The three new leaders have had little to no experience as a leader and are afraid to ask questions. I know that I am kind of an outsider to the band itself, but during marching season we are all one unit.
Thanks for the information
You are absolutely right that during the marching season you are all one unit. Even though each person has their own way of doing things and their own personality, at the end of the day the unit performs as one.
I think the important thing to remember is that in leadership, no one starts off with all the skills. Leadership is a life long skill that we always improve on as we get older. Some people might have the raw abilities, the mold so to speak, that can be shaped into great leadership. I think this is the case with the 3 new leaders. It sounds like they are getting their first shot into leadership, and that they already have the various skills and abilities they will need. They just need to be molded and put together.
They're going to be nervous! Who wouldn't be? Being a leader is always an intimidating thing, especially the first time. When people are nervous, they don't want to ask questions or do anything out of the ordinary. What you and your fellow leaders might want to consider are ways to make those people feel like they're part of the team, and that its okay to ask questions. That's not to say you go through and tell them how to be a leader, or how to do their job...they need to grow into whatever role they have. You can be there for the, however, and let them know you are there for them.
Remember, they're just starting out. Think back to how it was when you first became a leader. What kind of experience can you share with them? What really helped you grow into who you are today? Those kind of stories are safe, and are great icebreakers.
At the end f the day, people need time. No one can become a leader overnight; leadership is a life long process. Be there for them, but don't force yourself upon them either!
You'll do great, and so will they!