The following lists are provided so that an advisor may have a better idea of the types of problems he/she may face with their organization. This list is not all-inclusive, but may serve as a guide for the Advisor.
Leadership Problems
- The leader does not consult with the organization before making significant decisions
- The leader appears incompetent because he/she does not have self-confidence, is non-assertive, and lacks an interest in the organization
- A rivalry exists between leaders in the organization.
- The leader has work overload, and too many time-conflicts
Membership Problems
- Low attendance at meetings and events
- Members have low satisfaction and morale, are bored, do not communicate well, feel left out, are apathetic, or appear to be incompetent
- Members compete for attention
- An individual member's goals differ from those of the organization.
- Lack of trust among members
- Programs that fail
- Lack of ideas
Organizational Problems
- Meetings are disorganized
- Meetings are too long
- The organization suffers from financial problems
- There is no continuity from one year to the next
- There is a failure to complete the organization's administrative tasks
- The organization has no "plan of action"
Inner-Organization Problems
- Disagreement between an organization and other student organizations
- Disagreement with institutional policies and procedures
Advisor Problems
- Organization members avoid the advisor
- Organization members do not pay attention to advisor's advice
- The advisor is overwhelmed by their responsibility
- The advisor assumes a leadership function
Adapted from Lorenz, N. & Shipton, W. (1984). A Practical Approach to Group Advising and Problem Solving. A Handbook for Student Group Advisers. Schuh, J.H. (Ed.). American College Personnel Association.
Responding to Student Organization Leadership Challenges
Below are some challenges of student organizations and suggestions for addressing and fixing the issues.
Leaders not Including Members in Decision-Making
Have a meeting with leaders to discuss the importance of letting members be a part of the decision-making process. This helps build consensus in the group and develops ownership.
Leaders with Low Self-Confidence/Leaders Lacking Interest in the Organization
Try to work closely with the leader to help build his/her skills and confidence. If the leader lacks interest, then ask why he/she is in the position and help him/her understand how it is affecting the organization.
Leadership Rivalry
Have the leaders reflect on their roles and effectiveness in the organization. Highlight the issues that have come up, and how to resolve what is currently going on. Allow the student leaders to take ownership of their actions, and try to work together in the best interest of the organization.
Leader is Overwhelmed
Talk to the student and see how you can help, but do not take on his/her responsibilities. Instead teach him/her the importance of delegation and sharing responsibilities, time management, or focusing on more important things—even if that means losing the student leader.
Membership Challenges and Problems
Low Attendance
There are many reasons why attendance can be low, but there are three basic reasons why this happens: low recruitment efforts, disorganized meetings, or members not feeling included. Help student members identify what is happening or not happening in the organization, and then determine how to fix the problem.
Low Member Satisfaction
Meet with the student leaders to discuss how they can improve satisfaction and morale. Suggest leaders holding more social functions instead of meetings to reenergize members, recognizing member efforts in the organization, or hosting a team-building activity or retreat for all members.
Member Goals Differ from the Organization Goals
Hold a meeting to review the organization mission and to set goals. This way the members feel a part of the planning process.
Lack of Trust in Student Leaders
Find the root of the problem, and try to work with the members and student leaders in order to find a solution.
Program Failures
Reflect with the organization on why the failure happened and ways they can improve the next time.
Lack of Help from Members
Follow up with members who did not help with programming in order to see what went wrong. Attend a meeting and discuss the importance of teamwork, and why the organization needs members to help with programming.
Lack of Ideas
When members are not interested or feel like they do not have a voice in their organizations, then they are less inclined to contribute their ideas. Meet with the members and see what the student leaders or you can do to help them feel valued.
Organization Challenges and Problems
Meetings are Disorganized and Long
Assist student leaders in creating an agenda for future meetings
Financial Issues
If the organization has low funds, then discuss ways to fundraise with members. If the organization is embezzling funds, then refer to the Texas Wesleyan University Student Code of Conduct.
Lack of Officer Transition
Work with student leaders to recruit and train new members and leaders who will be able to run the organization the next year. Encourage officers to create binders or folders containing manuals or important information new officers need to know.
Failure to Complete Tasks
Review officer duties and responsibilities with student leaders, and discuss how they can improve. If they fail to complete tasks, find a new member who is willing to take on those responsibilities.
No Organization Goals
Encourage the members and officers to have a goal setting meeting at the beginning of each semester, and to hold evaluation meetings at the end of each semester to reflect on those goals.
Disagreements Between Different Organizations
Encourage leaders of both organizations to meet and discuss their issues with both advisors acting as mediators. If the problem is not resolved, contact the Student Engagement Center.