360 Degrees is an ongoing series about Volunteer Leadership written by Group 134 TESS volunteer, Bradford Reszel. Bradford would love to hear from you about your experiences with leadership throughout this series. You can contact him at bradford.reszel@gmail.com.
Bradford Reszel, 134 TESS
Leadership does not have to be exclusive within a group. Though positions may define a chain of command, leaders can be at any level. Being a leader at the same level as others can be a daunting task. To be known as a leader amongst your peers means you have earned trust within the group. Often, the leader in this space ends up as a de facto voice for their peers, which can come with disadvantages and advantages. As Peace Corps Volunteers, we have multiple sets of peers to whom we lead across. Let’s dive into a few examples.
Our counterparts in our communities are such an impactful part of our service and how we develop a relationship of trust can decide the outcome of much of our work. In Leading Down, we talked about how Volunteers teach and pass on concepts to counterparts at schools and in our government offices. Similarly, our counterparts teach us cultural intricacies and daily routines that make our service smoother. By leading this way with each other, we build trust and as peers start leading across. We develop a vernacular and comfort with each other that becomes the foundation of our work. Then, when a new project or task is set by our positional leaders, we lead in tandem with one another. Coming to understand our individual strengths and weaknesses makes leading across a naturally occurring process. We can give direction and clarify needs without being “the boss” of the other.
Similarly, Volunteers have different sets of strengths from one another. We gladly share our experiences and expertise for the common goal of serving the people in Thailand. In our current groups serving we have experienced teachers, youth leaders, and trainers who are more than happy to lead across by using their knowledge to help others. Again, the building of trust through the shared experience of Pre-Service Training makes leading across that much more successful. Whether it’s a new skill or idea, a shoulder to lean on, or a need for another perspective, Volunteers as leaders reach across to help.
Leading across is about trust within a team, not defined by position or hierarchy. Peace Corps Volunteers have to build this trust in multiple communities during our 27 months of service. First, we build it with each other and that makes it possible for Volunteers to lead across to other Volunteers. Then, in our communities, we build trust with our counterparts and community to eventually lead across and lead together. When there is a foundation of trust, leaders emerge throughout the group. These same leaders also push for more and therefore end up leading to those above them – they lead up. Leading up is next, stay tuned!
Sticky Rice 
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