Being a Leader and knowing how...

Someone asked me a while ago, "Why don't you quit? Why do you work so hard for that guild? It's just a game and you don't need the headache!" I have thought about this for years, seriously quite a bit of time I have spent on these statements. Why am i doing this? Why is the guild so important and why do I punish myself with the drama and the stress.

As I said before one of my best friends started playing the game at the same time and started Wayward Enforcers together. Through all the blood sweat and tears of playing a game, you find yourself actually connecting with people in a way, much like networking lets you meet people. It is networking on a social level, where you actually learn to like and become friends with people.

Do you know how many couples and families play WoW? In our guild alone i know of over 10 couples or families. We have virtually a real life complete family in our guild that includes mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters. This can create drama in its own right (more on this another time) but for the most part a strong guild can actually use friends and family to solidify itself.

Being a part of anything great, you tend to take it personal. These are real people who have real emotions. Sometimes they get out of control, as a leader you have to reel them back in. Sometimes you have to deal with people a lot younger then you, who have had to deal with some insane real life issues. Do you want to involve yourself in something that really isn't your business? We also have older members who, let us just say they are set in their ways. It can be difficult when trying to understand their concerns, especially if they aren't willing to bend. While you have to keep certain things separate, as a real living breathing human it is hard to keep everything "professional"

Therein lies the challenge as a Guild leader and as a friend.
Here are a few suggestions on how to survive and thrive as a Guild leader

1. Get involved at YOUR comfort level.
Many people want you to solve all their problems, both in the game and at home. Depending on your comfort level with this individual, you can either help them solve it or not. What I usually do, for those i don't know well, is be consistent. You don't want to spend all your time in game solving other peoples real life issues. Keep an arms length while still being compassionate, if you don't, then honestly you will spend your whole time in the game dealing with peoples issues. Set aside 10 - 15 minutes every other day to address peoples concerns and issues, any more then that and you are not going to be able to enjoy the game.

2. Do not try to fix everyone's problems. If you could do that you should be paid, and since is a game you are not. If the person wants in raids, talk to your raid leader. If the person wants class advice (if its your class, help them) if its not, then direct them to your class leader. If the person wants to know how many feathers are in a pound of feathers, tell them "a pound". Be sensible on what you can tackle and not, or you will find that all you do is fix things. find ways for them to solve them for themselves. An easy example is: Johnnypewpew wants to know why he is low on dps. I would delegate and direct. Use your officers and class leaders and always know where google is. Point them to who and where the most important information is.

3. Use your support system. When a big problem occurs that you really need to fix, call in your peeps. In my guild we have an amazing support system, probably why we are successful and are relatively drama free. The Officers and Senior Veterans we have in the guild don't agree on everything, yet they believe in the guild, this is what makes us a success. Although the final decisions are mine, I never ever make a big decision without their input. This not only makes things easier on you, it makes them feel valuable, which they are.

4. Understand the level of an issue. Sometimes the best way to sort out an issue is just by talking to the people. Ventrillo is an awesome way to help defuse drama. Reading a persons typed out messages may get the point across, but hearing them speak you can sometimes find out a lot more about the issue. Here is a great PDF on Tones of Voice http://www.impactcommunicationsinc.com/pdf/nwsltr_2001/ICINwsltrph0106.pdf

5. Compromise. Oh sure its easy... but there is a fine line between being run over and being stubborn. Use your common sense but always, always think whats best for the guild. Give in if you must, but make sure that the person knows the balance to your actions and the repercussions of your decisions. A good guildie will know when you are doing something nice for them, a bad guildie will not care. Sometimes you have to see that in advance and make decisions accordingly.

Hope this helps.. until next time...