Peer-Leadership

Peer leaders matter.  They are the people who see a need and step up to the challenge – regardless of their designated role.  There is a famous quote from Margaret Mead about peer leaders; “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

Another quote that captures the essence of peer leadership is from Marianne Williamson (often attributed to Nelson Mandela); “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.  Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.  It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.  We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?  You are a child of God.  Your playing small doesn’t serve the world.  We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.  It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone.  And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.  As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Are you are good peer-leader?  When you are a member of a team, do you step up to take joint responsibility for team creativity, team productivity, team problem solving, team unity and helping others to succeed?  Do you support the designated team leader to lead, but also use your initiative to drive team success?  For this Peer-Leadership Questionnaire, think of a time when you have been a member of a team to evaluate your strengths and areas to improve.