What Makes a Good/Bad Student Council Member?
A good member of Student Council and an outstanding leader is not solely determined by who has the loudest voice, is the most popular, or who can organize an activity the best. The person's day-to-day performance and character is a large factor that determines the quality of that leader. Read the list of qualities that every member and officer should demonstrate, and then read the list of poor qualities that we should abandon.
A good leader/member:
 Shows respect for other members by being on time and bringing the necessary materials, assignments, and information to the meetings.
 Accepts the responsibility of sharing in the business at hand when a meeting convenes and understands that participation is essential.
 Tries to get other members to express their ideas for the benefit of all, even if it means less time for presenting personal ideas.
 Participates according to the "Golden Rule". Listens appreciatively to other's ideas and contributions.
 Gives constant, active attention to the group's activity during the meeting.
 Know the purpose of the meeting and helps keep the ideas on track to get things done.
 Earns the right to give constructive criticism freely by accepting it honestly.
If we all develop these qualities, we will be able accomplish our goals, and we will have greater unity among the members, which will be evident to the rest of the student body. However, the next set of bad qualities will inhibit our ability to reach our objectives, and the Student Council members will not be able to cooperate with each other, which will hurt our witness to the rest of the student body.
A poor Leader/Member:
 Breaks the spirit of a meeting by always arriving late and unprepared. Keeps completely to self or creates conflict during the meeting.
 Gossips about members or represents others intentions in a negative way to other members. Meddles in others business unnecessarily or for the intention of tearing down another member.
 Lets everyone else do the work. Fails to understand the active role that a good member must play. Is content to let others do the work.
 Feels so proud of his or her own ideas that this member dominates discussions without concern for others.
 Does not listen to others or is impatient, sarcastic, or belittling.
 Ignores others by sitting apart from the group or forming "whisper groups" with neighbors.
 Has a fuzzy idea of purposes but thinks that just being present at activities is sufficient.
 Undermines the group and its objectives with petty criticism. Enjoys cutting down other members by only giving negative criticism.
 Checks on assigned responsibilities and receives guidance and authority to carry them out.
 Accepts responsibility, committee chairperson positions, etc., but forgets about the assignments or does a poor job.
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