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Qualities / Characteristics of a youth leader

What type of person should a youth worker be?

Qualities / Characteristics of a youth leader ©: AKS - Fotolia

Tolerant
Not uptight
A little older
Understanding
A contact person
Trustworthy
Accept suggestions
Can justify arguments and decisions instead of permanently forbidding
Flexible
To have authority but not abuse it
To be aware of his responsibility
Organiser
Improviser
Mediator
Have beliefs
A good example
Take time
Accept criticism
Give criticism
Have an overview
Inspiring
Humour
Versatile
Understanding
Empathy
He should know everyone
Loyalty
Bear responsibility
Democratic
Comradeship
Intelligent
Initiative
Idealism
Role model
Keep track of things
Prepared to help
Sense of community
Kind
Ability to improvise
Not biased
Self-possessed
Can build up a rapport with members and parents
Should not grow away from the group
Does not show himself to be unsure
Should have knowledge of group pedagogic
Should be able to recognise talents of individuals and apply them
No strong adaptations to suit the group members (as individuals or as a whole)
Popular
Observational
Organisational abilities
Self confidant
Articulate
Have factual knowledge
Be able to perceive the leading of a discussion
Knowledgeable
Should be able to admit to not knowing something
Adopt self recognition
Adopt and delegate abilities
Loyalty and love of the group and its members
eminent love
Active, interesting, orientated and real proclamations
Aplomb
Does not rule over the group but leads it
Explains decisions reasonably and transparently

What type of person should a youth leader not be?

Big Boss
Bourgeois
Inflexible
Stubborn
Inconsequent
Domineering
Boaster
No relationship to the group
Not prepared
Has favourites
Impatient
Cannot form friendships
Criticises group members in front of others
Not effective as a pastor
Inexperienced
Be pressed for time
Too young
Religious boss
Smoker
Drinker
Makes unrealistic demands
Uses the group as an outlet
Arrogant
Uncommunicative
Implausible
Ostentatious
Dogmatic
Not prepared to talk
Free time is a holiday

What does it mean to be become a youth leader? Lots of teenagers or young adults think it must be great to become a youth leader and to be member of staff or leader responsible for a group.

However most are not aware that such a task does not mean just to have 90 minutes spare time in a week to rush through the program. Most are also not aware that there are few great tasks involved in the job. A lot of time must be invested in the preparation; there is little recognition for what you do, no money and sometimes/often unsatisfied kids. This can quickly lead to a loss of interest in the assignment and dedication is distinctly reduced– very distinctly.

We do not do ourselves any favours if we recruit anyone straight away, without showing them the negative sides and without giving them a few months “thinking time” or even a “test period”. Due to the lack of youth workers, young recruits are often thrown in at the deep end and left alone, instead of offering them a 1-2 year accompaniment. Hardly anyone else who is starting their working life is thrown into such deep water. In general, there should be a long period in which to be become acquainted with the job, together with an accompanying person who is gradually taken away over a period of time so that the new worker can work independently.

Would you apply for this job?
Has someone discussed your “abilities” with you?
Have you had feedback to discuss possible extensions of your work or possible problems which might arise?