Pulling my hair out, twitching at work, having slight panic attacks over all the work to be done.. Making lists upon lists for a cultural club instead of homework and papers. Caring more about the outcome of our event than the job I was getting paid for….and good golly gosh I loved it.
That’s what I experienced as a student leader in my college days, during our busiest time of year. Should I have calmed down a little? Probably. But was I incredibly dedicated to my role on the board of my organization? Absolutely. I always say, I’d go back to that kind of stress in a minute, because it made me feel like I was doing something important.
Fast Company published an article about how “job love” is the best way to increase employee engagement in the business world. Running a student organization is very similar, especially since student engagement is exactly what we are all working to accomplish. Here are the 4 ways the article suggested you foster that “love,” translated for student leaders of on-campus organizations.
1. Having a supervisor that cares about us, our well-being, and personal growth
You’re the leader, but are you leading them in love? Do the students you work with know you genuinely care for them, beyond what they do directly for the organization? Do you…
- Reach out when they seem to be having a bad day?
- Shout out their birthdays?
- Rally the whole team to celebrate or support during pivotal times in their lives?
I found my passion with my club because the previous leaders had encouraged the leadership potential they saw in me. During my very first meeting, the president made me feel so important and welcome, even though I was the Italian girl in a Filipino club. I knew I was cared for.
2. Doing work that we enjoy and have the talents to perform
Is everyone in your organization given the chance to use their specific gifts to shine within the group? Are you asking students to do not-so-fun tasks, without letting their own ideas be heard and put into action? Remember, this is an extra-curricular activity, so it should be something everyone enjoys, not just as tedious as classwork. I was always able to choose to be on decorations committee at my organization- but they also pushed me to try new things that they thought I’d shine in, even if I wasn’t sure I would like it. The balance is important!
3. Routinely feeling valued, appreciated, and having a deep belief that the work we do matters
Why do you exist as an organization? If you know, does every member know? Because they should. Think about your purpose and then think about the events and meetings you hold – do they seem to match?
I knew that my club wanted to share Filipino culture with the Fordham community, and also dig deeper into their own background. Whenever I made decisions, I tried to bring it back to relevance to their amazing, beautiful culture.
4. Having strong bonds with other people on the team, especially with our supervisors.
- Are members close to the board, or intimidated by them?
- Do all members know each other?
- Do activities and events build those relationships?
Oh gosh, this one is my favorite. Want to know the real reason I loved pulling my hair out for this organization? Because I loved the people. They were my family. Truly, we called ourselves a family. It was easy to pull out all the stops when I believed in the group and what we stood for so much. I wanted everyone to feel the same sense of welcome that I always felt, so I worked hard to keep that going forever, even after I graduated.
Well, now I am going to go reminisce on my good old college days, and I hope you go and put these ideas into action as the school year approaches.
Do you recognize some of these tips in your own favorite student organization? Comment below!
