Leadership and Teamwork: Lessons from the Students’ Union

Being a part of the Ulster University Students’ Union (UUSU) has provided me with invaluable experiences that have shaped both my leadership abilities and teamwork skills. As a representative, I’ve gained first-hand knowledge of the complex dynamics required to work with diverse groups and navigate the challenges that come with decision-making in a fast-paced, student-driven environment.

Developing Leadership Skills

One of the most important lessons I have learnt from my time in the UUSU is the value of leading by example. As a student leader, it is essential to remain approachable, listen to others, and create a collaborative environment. During my involvement, I’ve had to step up in situations where clear direction was needed, from organising student events to addressing pressing student concerns. It was here that I discovered the importance of adaptability as a student representative. University life is ever-changing, and as a student representative, you must be flexible in your approach, ready to adjust plans based on the needs of the community.

Additionally, being in this role has taught me the significance of building trust with peers. Leadership is not just about giving orders; it’s about fostering trust and ensuring that the people you work with feel valued and heard. By creating an inclusive environment, I was able to bring different perspectives together, which often led to more creative and effective solutions.

The Power of Teamwork

In a union where decisions impact a large student body, teamwork is crucial. One of the key insights I’ve gained is that teamwork is not just about dividing tasks but about uniting behind a common goal. Whether it’s campaigning for student rights or planning an event, working as a cohesive team amplifies our impact.

Throughout my time in the UUSU, I learned that effective communication is the backbone of strong teamwork. Open channels of communication allow for transparency, especially when handling disagreements. Navigating these challenges requires someone to mediate effectively, ensuring that each voice was heard while keeping the end goal in sight. This process not only strengthens the team but also deepens the collective resolve to make a positive difference on campus.

Moreover, I experienced the value of delegation. As much as it’s tempting to take on tasks yourself, trusting your team and allowing them to take ownership of responsibilities is essential for collective success. By delegating tasks and offering support where needed, I learned how to maximise the strengths of each team member, creating a more productive and harmonious group dynamic. This was especially important in my role as a department representative, delegating tasks to course representatives was key for balancing tasks.

Challenges and Growth

Of course, not every leadership or teamwork experience goes smoothly. There were moments when projects didn’t go as planned, or when I had to pivot due to unforeseen challenges. During a particularly stressful period, it was important to manage my channels of communication between me and my course directors and lecturers. This helped me develop my communication and time management, improving the systems in place at UUSU and the overall student advocacy. 

As a student representative, you often have to juggle multiple responsibilities such as academics, part-time jobs and personal challenges. It’s very important to manage your time effectively amongst multiple tasks and prioritise, overall I was able to work a part-time job, alongside taking part in multiple UUSU events such as the Learning and Teaching Awards panel and acting as a course representative.

Key Takeaways

• Leadership is about fostering trust and adaptability: The most effective leaders are those who remain approachable, flexible, and willing to listen.

• Teamwork relies on clear communication and shared goals: Unity within a team is built through transparency, mutual respect, and collaboration.

• Challenges are opportunities for growth: Handling difficulties together strengthens both leadership and teamwork skills, preparing us for future roles.

Being a part of the Students' Union has offered countless opportunities for growth, teaching me how to lead effectively and work within a team towards shared objectives. These experiences have not only prepared me for future leadership roles but also helped me develop interpersonal skills that will be crucial in my career. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that leadership and teamwork go hand-in-hand, and when executed well, they have the power to create meaningful change.