The Key Components of Any Campus Community: Leaders & Followers
Tyson Wooters is a born leader. He spent his college career pumping up the crowds at the University of Oregon as the school’s mascot, The Duck. Tyson became a key component of the Saturday night football games as he brought a sense of community to the people in the stands.
Community can be defined as, “a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.” New students, returning students or those students finishing up their last year in college all look for a sense of community during their years in college. Leaders are holistically intertwined in the mix of community—one, or several people take the stand to bring the group together and to move them forward. Groups have leaders, and they have followers—which one are you?
Tyson dissects what it means to be a leader, a follower and the importance of helping to build a positive campus community.
Are you a leader?
Leaders need followers…or they can’t be leaders. Unfortunately, too many young leaders get this in the wrong order. Don’t go looking for followers… go looking for a way to contribute! Once you’re involved, you have a way to start building your leadership credibility. Always contribute with integrity and commitment, and the followers will come to you.
Are you a follower?
Being a follower isn’t bad. On the contrary, it is imperative. Even the highest ranked leader must know when and whom to follow. Like it or not, you should probably spend more time following than leading.
Here’s the mix-up—most people wait around for someone else to take charge, but the reality is that every leader there has ever been was someone who simply stood up when everyone else sat down. Get ready to stand up when the time comes.
Leader or Follower—connect with your campus community
Your campus most likely has a club, team or other group that already suits you perfectly. There is probably a place you can put your skills and interests to work. Find it! And if it’s not there, then it’s guaranteed that someone else on campus is waiting for you to make it happen—be the leader who starts something great!
Being apart of a community will build a sense of belonging, flourish relationships and add to the educational experience in very different, and healthy ways. Check out campuspeak.com/wooters for more information on leadership and how to grow your campus community.
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