Association success depends on effective performance of the leader and task functions to keep the group focused, maintenance functions to involve group members, and personal functions that address the need of group members. In addition to special characteristics that define a good leader, some of the general guidelines are in force for the selection of any leader for an association. These guidelines include:
- Willingness to take on responsibility
- Fostering teamwork and activities of each member
- Ability to encourage creativity, promote innovation, and allow the free flow of ideas
- Good communications skills
- Can motivate and encourage others, sense the mood of the team at appropriate times, understand their emotional reaction to issues, and take necessary actions
