Before the group chooses their leaders, however, you may want to take them through the following
exercise to discuss leadership qualities and styles.To start, get the group to suggest qualities of a good leader. Write these up on flipchart paper.
Examples of good leadership qualities could be:- the ability to unite a group and provide a stable base
- the ability to inspire group members to take action
- the ability to speak out if things go wrong
- being open to new ideas and ready to listen
- the ability to make decisions based on group consensus.
People who are popular, strong-willed and influential may not always be good leaders. Good leaders
are often quieter people who are good listeners, are respected by the group and are able to maintain
and support the group.After the group has suggested a list of good leadership qualities, go through the list and ask the group
to think about these qualities in relation to a community member who could be the CCC leader.Next, discuss general leadership styles with the group:- Leaders who command (they make decisions on behalf of the group with little discussion
with other group members). - Leaders who consult (they encourage discussion about situations and goals and then make
a decision on behalf of the group). - Leaders who enable (they set certain limits but within these limits encourage and enable
the group to discuss and analyse their situation in order to make their own decisions).
Encourage the group to try and identify the leadership style that would be most fitting for the CCC
model they have chosen.
Next, discuss the roles of individual leader positions in the CCC. For example, a chairpersonin
meetings, needs to:- Be able to manage a group discussion within a time framework
- Clarify issues under discussion and regularly review where the discussion has reached
- Be able to inspire and motivate others during meetings
- Be able to hold back their own feelings and concentrate on the needs of the group
- Encourage participation so everyone gets a chance to share their opinions, views and
knowledge - Keep control of a debate, making sure people stay on the subject and don’t speak too long
- Allow decisions to be made through group consensus
- Allow discussions from all sides but make sure that disagreements and arguments do not
interfere with the group discussion - Make good judgements on the group’s behalf share out responsibilities and work
- Be approachable and encourage openness.
Discuss these with the group and get them to volunteer any other responsibilities or qualities that they
think a chairperson should have; and how a vice chairperson can share and support the chairperson in
these responsibilities.
(^40) Unit 1, Module 2 Guide to Mobilising and Strengthening Community-Led Care for Orphans and Vulnerable Children