Leadership Tips from Society Presidents
Updated: Jun 23, 2021
We asked 2020-2021 society presidents from across the UK to share leadership advice from their experience directing a team.
"I think an important role as a leader is to develop other people to become leaders. I find myself too often having a strict idea of how I want our projects to be run, but it is important to not micromanage and take a step back. I have learnt to allow project leaders to develop their own ideas as long as it does not deviate too much from the core nature of the project."
- Liam Lee, Y5, President of Edinburgh Neurological Society
"Try to be available online as much as you can to quickly resolve any issues faced by the committee."
- Jameela Nagri, Y4, President of UCL Anatomy Society
"My top tip for being a successful president is that communication and organisation are KEY! I would have a year calendar prepared and readily accessible to everyone in your committee soon after you have been elected. Focus on the events you want to run for the first semester and have dates set and planned before the end of summer! Once you've set the pace for first semester, the rest of the year is fairly plain sailing and adapting as a team to provide a great society experience for your members."
- Jessica O'Logbon, Y3, President of KCL Obstetrics & Gynaecology Society
"Be a friend who provides guidance and direction. Have a vision and inspire your team to make it a reality."
- Cleo Ngadimin, Y5, President of Imperial College Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Society
"Take your time to develop a strong relationship with your team and mentor each member."
- Amar Rai, Y5, President of British Indian Medical Association
"I believe decisiveness is key- you need to provide your team with a clear vision and direction in order for the society to grow and be productive. Recognising dedication and individual efforts from team members builds a positive environment and motivates the committee."
- Aastha Singh, Y3, President of Edinburgh Student Anatomy Society
"Everything is so much smoother and organised when everyone in the team is keen to get involved and do their part. Teamwork makes the dream work!"
- Elena Brachimi, Y3, President of Glasgow University Ophthalmology Society
"The key to leading a successful committee is inspiring dedication rather than simply demanding compliance. This is much easier said than done. I’ll make a list of techniques I tried during my time as President:
• I was Publicity Officer the year before I applied for President so I was involved in the process of selecting the new committee. It is important to select applicants who have actually attended events are keen. Too many students apply for the CV points.
• Lead by example. Complete your tasks on-time and consistently to a high quality if you want your committee to follow suit.
• Know your team members’ strengths. Play to those strengths and congratulate them when they do a good job. I hope this passes on some useful wisdom."
- Beesh Mahen, Y6, President of Cambridge Neurological Society
"Don’t just lead by example, lead by compassion - being driven by compassion will allow you to do what’s best for the rest of the team, and subsequently the whole society."
- Maria Georgi, Y4, President of UCL Surgical Society
"Everyone in your committee has their own skillset, a good leader will know how to acknowledge and work with others’ strengths to achieve success rather than try to do everything themselves and achieve a lesser result!"
- Ujjawal Aditya Kumar, Y3, Cambridge University Medics’ and Vets’ Music Society
"Always support the people whom you are leading. I’m not saying micromanage their jobs – no, I’m saying be there for them when they need you."
-Violet Borkowska, Y3, President of Edinburgh University Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Society
"Involve and develop your committee; think bigger than just your own term as president. The work you do means nothing if your club/society doesn’t stand the test of time - continuity is key."
- Siddarth Raj, Y6, President of GKT Cricket and KCL PRASS
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