Effective Peer Leadership, Why It Works

by Stacey Tisdale

The last blog talked about the definition of a Peer Leader. This time, let’s talk about how to be an effective Peer Leader. So, what personality type make a great Peer Leader? You may automatically think of someone competitive and dynamic or someone energetic and unafraid to speak to large crowds, but this is just not the case.

We can all be Peer Leaders – no matter what type of personality we have or where or comfort zone happens to be. Look at it this way: do you want a team with just students that only want to laugh and have fun? How about a team full of students that are always agreeable? NO! You need different personalities to fill the roles of all team needs so you can accomplish amazing things.

Secondly, we all need out of our comfort zones sometimes to try new things and grow. Being a Peer Leader provides that opportunity. Take on the planning role for one project, then try drawing a new message poster next time. Do morning announcements this week, then research statistics for the next project. Try your hand at all roles to stretch your skills and your interests.

The next step in using your powers for good is to take this role seriously. Think about this: do you stand behind a table with a TDS shirt on and tell your school peers that speeding is dangerous, then get behind the wheel and drive too fast? Even when you think no one is watching? Sort of makes your message moot.

It can sometimes be tough to be a Leader – anytime in your life – but if you take the role on and take it seriously, think about how much better it can make you. Many say a true leader leads by example. If you believe this, then you have to take your message to heart. You can’t try to change the world without changing yourself first. I challenge you to think about this and if you are staying true to your message through your actions.

The next blog will take on conducting meaningful activities. Until next time – keep our drive alive!

Stacey Tisdale is a certified peer program educator, the Georgia and California Teens in the Driver Seat representative, and creative manager for the Youth Transportation Safety Program.