By Victoria Cross/reporter

The secrets of great groups, behavioral traits of good leaders and team dysfunctions formed the discussion for the semester’s final Student Leadership Academy session on NE Campus Nov. 20.

Student development associate Juan Olivera conducted the Building a Team session with the assistance of student development assistant Amity Womelsdorff.

Great groups make strong leaders, Womelsdorff said.

“When everyone is working well with each other, the group will build leaders,” she said.

Great groups that are the product of meticulous recruiting is one hallmark of team-building the group discussed.

“You have to be careful with it, though, because groups can be so meticulous that they will miss out on growth in members,” one student said.

Olivera said membership can be an issue.

“Because TCC is a two-year college, the groups on campus die because of the lack of recruiting,” he said.

The idea that great groups are usually young was a third component of team-building.

“It helps if the group members are young at heart because they have the passion and spunk that is needed for teamwork,” another student participant said.

New groups normally bring fresh ideas and information.

“As a leader when explaining something to your group, stay positive and do not discourage,” Olivera said.

Many good leaders can be described as honest, vulnerable and purveyors of hope.

Dysfunctions that can hinder a team or group from achieving goals are a lack of trust and commitment, Womelsdorff said.

“It is very important to trust your leader and your team,” she said. “If there is no trust in someone to complete their part, the end result is in jeopardy.”

Olivera said leaders should seek input.

“Feedback is very important,” he said. “Communicating with your teammates builds trust in the group.”

Positive attitudes and hard work within group members help build toward a finished product.