University life is a major change from school in many aspects. On an academic level, you’ll find yourself often working with fellow students on group projects and presentations. In these situations, there is usually a group leader that takes charge of planning and assigning tasks, and the same goes for University sports teams. Every team or group needs a knowledgeable, supportive leader that can guide them towards success. A leader has to maintain a balance between making sure everyone is doing their job, ensuring their overall satisfaction, and dealing with challenges as they come, with grace. If you’re looking to better your leadership skills, here are a few tips to improve your skills in managing groups.

1. Show Passion and Dedication

How can you be considered a leader if you don’t care about what you’re doing? One of the key points to be a better leader is having a passion for the project you’re working on. Being passionate means exerting more effort, becoming a source of inspiration and guidance, and getting better results. Your professor and group will appreciate that you’re eager to learn, develop your skills, and show dedication in any task or project you’re given. 

2. Take Initiative

If you’re trying to take on more leadership roles in group projects, you have to show that you are willing to step up and take initiative. You can start by proving to your professor and colleagues that you are prepared for anything and can be trusted with any task you’re given. Volunteer to take on extra responsibilities and propose ways to improve workflow. You can also take initiative by offering your help to a colleague struggling with a certain task because the best leaders are those who put their team’s needs first. 

3. Improve your Communication

You can’t be a successful leader if you’re not a good communicator, because this is a position that is all about people skills. Having good communication skills will help deliver your vision, goals, and information to your group. You will need to have the capacity to listen to their opinions and complaints and receive them the right way. This will strengthen your relationship as colleagues, earn you their respect, and boost their productivity. Look into taking courses that work on developing communication skills in general or in the workplace to prepare you to lead in your future career too.

4. Maintain a Positive Attitude

Having a positive attitude is an essential part of being a leader. It makes it easier for people to approach you, especially if you’re also a good listener. This doesn’t necessarily mean being happy 24/7, you should still be serious and assertive. Positivity is most appreciated during difficult situations and obstacles when you approach your team with a good attitude that focuses on solutions rather than negativity. Being negative can reflect on your group members and effect productivity while a good attitude creates an energetic atmosphere and can motivate others throughout challenges.

5. Encourage and Reward

A good leader can always motivate others to take the initiative and express themselves during a project or presentation. You will have the responsibility to detect potential in your group and encourage members by giving them more responsibility that showcases their abilities. Always create room for discussion and presenting ideas to keep them motivated and inspired. Come up with a reward system for those who are making an effort to think outside the box or take on new responsibilities. It’s important to make sure your team feels listened to, valued, and supported.

6. Never Stop Learning

Just because you’re in a leadership position in most class projects or events, doesn’t mean your learning journey has ended. You should always work on yourself and improve your skills as well as gain new ones. Take courses that benefit your studies and future career advancement. Admit your weaknesses or mistakes and constantly work on bettering yourself. Utilize the knowledge and skills of your team to grow and don’t be afraid to let them teach you new things. It will make them feel more valued and encourage them to learn from each other as well.

Ultimately, being a good leader is all about the effort you make to become a better leader, and the fact that you’re reading this now means you’re on the right path. The important thing is to always be there for your team; listen, have empathy, handle conflicts, advocate for creativity, and reward hard work. In the end, it’s all about prospering in your group project or presentation while maintaining a high team spirit that leads to success.