Part 4:  Leapfroggers

One of the few joys of leading a guild is feeling that “rush” when everything goes right and you meet one of your goals.  The enthusiasm exuberated from your members provides a euphoria which surpasses just about anything else the game has to offer.  Whether it be downing that boss after weeks of attempts, finally stabalizing a core group of solid players, taking that PvP zone once and for all, obtaining that long sought after piece of gear, or simply reaching a certain member cap, meeting set goals greatly improves guild morale around the board.

What happens when during the midst of your celebration and rejoice, things take a huge step backward?  Unforseen events will always happen; You can’t predict them.  Let’s say that this event was conspired and planned beforehand?  A player swooped in, took advantage of your guild’s current needs to suit their own, and took off for greener pastures.  Say hello the the “Leapfrogger”, also occassionally known as a ‘Guild Jumper’.

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You are hustling out raids/heroics, and your members are repping your guild, fo shizzle.  Is your cred on the (Dalaran) streets really what you think it is?  You may think everything is pimpin’ & chill, but the rest of the server may be hating on your peeps.  For Real.

Your guild’s image to other players is an important feature that many leaders forget about.  It affects guild recruiting, crafting, morale, and the general attitude your members receive from the community you reside in.  What side-effects can this have upon your guild?  Why should you even bother to care?  It’s redonkulous, but you need to keep homeyly with those playas if you want to promote your guild to some srs bznz.

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Too often we forget as guild leaders/officers, that we are more than just the head of the guild.  Members look up to us with respect, admiration, and a sense of pride by leading our “team” through the good times and bad alike.  We have all been a part of, or have seen, guilds where members rarely get a “Good Morning”, “Great Job”, or even a “Thank You”.  Whereas we lead the guild, help it progress, grow, and succeed, we must also be aware of the atmosphere we’re setting and the support we’re offering our members.  After All, they are just that, members, not a pool of avatars which serve our bidding.

Now, some may feel that there are much more important things to worry about concerning guild management.  Yes, you have to configure recruiting, loot distribution, raid scheduling, confict resolution, and all those other “fun” aspects of guild leadership.  I agree, they are important details that need a watchful eye.  However, I truly believe that the single most crucial responsibility that you have, is the guild atmosphere you mold.
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