The Leader is the Difference Maker

Whether a program, small-group, or event is successful is 100% up to the leader. We set the tone for the group, our level of preparation either hinders or supports success, and the students will rise and fall with our level of excitement about what’s going on at any moment. The leader creates opportunity for behavior issues by lack of preparedness, or minimizes distraction by being ready to “teach bell-to-bell”. The leader can lighten the mood of the group with a joke or draw the attention of a distracted group with the right tools. Here are a few things to remember as you prepare to be the difference-maker in your group:

• Come to your group prepared. Awkward quiet moments while you figure out what you’re supposed to do next, untested tech, or being tied to a leader guide can greatly diminish a student’s connection to the content or event.
• Take a few moments to breathe and pray before meeting with your group. Evaluate your headspace. Acknowledge any frustrations or negative emotions so that you don’t allow those things to affect your group.
• Have a joke ready to tell or game to play at any moment to lighten the mood if necessary. Concentration, Would You Rather, 20 questions, or Ninja are great options in a pinch, depending on the setting and how much time you have.
• Learn a few tools to get control of a distracted group. “If you can hear me, clap once” is a go-to at any moment. Just remember that a non-authoritative voice raised to the level of the students only adds to the chaos.

You are the one responsible for how your group responds to small-group content or an event. Take that responsibility seriously and you will have a HUGE impact on your students! And even better, the students learn how to lead from your example! They will remember about 10% of the content you communicate, but 100% of the example you set.

So lead strong, love well, and tell the truth!