Motivating the Middle

Book excerpt: If you lead a student organization and you're frustrated that you and a few others do all the work, you need to motivate a specific set of overlooked members. It's the concept that will set student leaders free. Stop focusing on those who check out or cause problems, and start focusing on those "middle third members" who hate drama, care for your organization, and prefer to play a supporting role. Directing your efforts toward the middle -- and understanding what they can contribute -- may solve your most pressing leadership challenges. Motivating the Middle offers a simple, empowering strategy for student government officers, team captains, chapter presidents, club leaders, residence life staff, and other college students looking to make a difference on today's campuses. About the Author T.J. Sullivan is the cofounder and CEO of CAMPUSPEAK. Since 1992, T.J. Sullivan has spoken professionally to millions of college students, empowering them to take nontraditional approaches to advanc-ing their organizations. Visit his blog at www.tjsullivan.com.