6 Ways to Motivate Student Leaders

Recognize… tell the student(s) they have done a good job, compliment the person in the presence of others, put emphasis on the person’s success(es), don’t dwell on past failures, give credit where credit is due  

Reward…give prizes, send notes of appreciation, throw a party for members

Involve…allow the initiation of individual’s own ideas, allow student(s) to have important/valued input, listen with interest, make sure people understand what is happening within the organization - stay connected between meetings and programs/events  

Interests…assign responsibilities and/or encourage members to accept roles according to talents/skill level & interests. Allow for trial and errors and for students to offer new ideas  

Self Satisfaction…specify times for progress reports when meeting with officers. Trust the member(s). Make yourself available to actively be involved with the timeline when student(s) are setting short term and long term attainable goals.  

Friendship(s)… give student(s) opportunity to socialize/network. Don’t be overly strict about sticking to business all the time. Allow student(s) to work in small groups. Encourage students to conduct ice breakers and get acquainted through activities. They, and you, can never know all there is to know about each other.  

Realize... negative motivation is not the answer.  For example, sarcastically threatening to kick someone out of an organization unless they clean up the Multipurpose Room after an event isn’t going to make that person feel welcome or motivated to be involved in future meetings or events.