Leading Technique #2: Keeping the Right Attitude
Posted 08-06-2008 at 09:24 AM by veneretio
We all have highs and lows as Raid Leaders. It's no secret that our tone of voice (otherwise known as our mood) can greatly affect the tone or mood of our entire raid. Passionate, excited, encouraged, courageous raid leaders get results out of an empty glass. Raid Leaders coming off with the opposite attitude get noticeably worse results.
But, what happens when things really are going bad?
What about when I'm in a really bad mood?
Well that Sally is the hard part, that's what separates the men from the boys, the ladies from the chicks, the heroes from the super heroes, the cliches from the quotes... okay you get the point.
A while ago I noticed something about myself. I'm a hell of a lot better Raid Leader when someone from another guild is on a run. In the face of adversity, I never consider defeat an option. The general speed and tone of the run is amazing. Now granted this is because my raid is naturally better behaved too, but the biggest reason is because I've got something to prove. I'm holding myself to a higher standard than I'd normally hold myself to. I do this instinctively without thinking. I'm representing the guild after all.
So, what's the technique here?
Pretend.
You don't have to prove anything to your guild. You're the raid leader after all, but let's pretend you do. That being said... who ever said being the raid leader suddenly meant you had nothing to prove?
Remember, you're always representing your guild even when surrounded only by your guildmates.
But, what happens when things really are going bad?
What about when I'm in a really bad mood?
Well that Sally is the hard part, that's what separates the men from the boys, the ladies from the chicks, the heroes from the super heroes, the cliches from the quotes... okay you get the point.
A while ago I noticed something about myself. I'm a hell of a lot better Raid Leader when someone from another guild is on a run. In the face of adversity, I never consider defeat an option. The general speed and tone of the run is amazing. Now granted this is because my raid is naturally better behaved too, but the biggest reason is because I've got something to prove. I'm holding myself to a higher standard than I'd normally hold myself to. I do this instinctively without thinking. I'm representing the guild after all.
So, what's the technique here?
Pretend.
You don't have to prove anything to your guild. You're the raid leader after all, but let's pretend you do. That being said... who ever said being the raid leader suddenly meant you had nothing to prove?
Remember, you're always representing your guild even when surrounded only by your guildmates.
Total Comments 5
Comments
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I don't keep motivational posters, etc. in my room, with the exception of two signs:
1: Act as if it were impossible to fail
2: Accept nothing less than your absolute best.Posted 08-06-2008 at 10:08 AM by Alent 
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I used to have a poster from Adidas with Muhammad Ali that showed him winning his last title belt and under it read: Impossible is Nothing.
Greatest Motivation Poster ever... Then, My boss found out Adidas did a recall on all store merchandise with Ali on it because he terminated with Adidas, and I actually had to give mine back to my boss, and have him ship it back to adidas to be destroyed =(Posted 08-06-2008 at 10:26 AM by Kazeyonoma -
Ergo, there is no motivation that management can't undermine.Quote:I used to have a poster from Adidas with Muhammad Ali that showed him winning his last title belt and under it read: Impossible is Nothing.
Greatest Motivation Poster ever... Then, My boss found out Adidas did a recall on all store merchandise with Ali on it because he terminated with Adidas, and I actually had to give mine back to my boss, and have him ship it back to adidas to be destroyed =(
I had one up for a long while that had a picture of the pyramids that summed up my feelings about the job I was doing:
"There is nothing you can't accomplish when you have vision, determination and an endless supply of expendable labor."
Sometimes I feel that way about raiding too.Posted 08-06-2008 at 12:32 PM by Smaken -
Enh, there's a sign in my workplace (I'm a nurse, work in a hospital) that says 'put your bad girl panties on and deal with it.'
I've been raid leading more since our gm took his vacation the first week of July. During that time a few of our regular raiders decided to jump ship while he was away. Despite a difficult situation that was growing worse as the week progressed we had good raids (progression even) with the exception of 1 night. My gm has recently promoted me to officer and I'm considered the tank and physical dps officer as well until we find someone in the turnover to step up. My gm has had a hard time letting go of the steering wheel at times during raids, but he's improving.
For raid leading I try very hard to instill confidence and raid discipline, while enjoying a casual atmosphere. I do believe your attitude greatly effects the outcome of the raid. I've seen raids go bad due to raid leader frustrations. It's not always easy, you get smacked with a bazillion tells when you 'clear vent.' Everyone has their opinion on what is going wrong. In general raids are successful...but we all have those nights. We've gone from being an overtanked guild, down to 2 warrior tanks...sometimes 1, but still we prevail and raid.
Generally I'm polite and courteous when asking folks to perform tasks. People have a hard time coping an attitude when you treat them with respect and thank them for their contributions, and uh...then ask them to step out for someone else.
Changing topic:
There was a post or guide or something that had a warrior talent spec designed to help tank aoe trash mobs, if anyone remembers where it is could you pop a link in a pm for me please or repost it.Posted 08-06-2008 at 12:45 PM by Keza - In retail there's a saying that for every one customer you lose, two more will follow. Just as in a store, in guilds members are optionally participating & maintaining their status. For every one you lose, more will follow.
On a more positive note, word of mouth is the absolute best way to achieve a solid reputation. That & a little networking pull here or there, =PPosted 08-08-2008 at 05:44 PM by Arideni
