Leadership Mini-Lesson
Editorializing in News
Though I was incredibly proud of this slideshow, especially the laptop icon at the end, I am more so proud of what I did with the slideshow. I was fairly nervous to teach a mini-lesson, and I did fumble a little bit. However, I thought the presentation went really well overall, and I loved teaching the lesson. I thought the lesson was interactive and engaging, while at the same time being informative for our new members. The main thing I took from this presentation wasn't anything directly within it, but that it planted a seed in my brain of wanting to be a teacher. As Editor-in-chief, I have a really unique role as both a mentor and leader, and I hope I take advantage of more "teaching moments" in the future.
Editing mindfully
Currently, I am the sole person on North Pointe who has been on staff for four years. Naturally, with both the time I've spent time on North Pointe and my leadership positions, I've written the gamut of types of content. Sometimes, I forget how little I knew when I first joined staff, and can get frustrated when editing a story upon seeing a mistake that "should" be glaringly obvious. It's easy to get annoyed with the changes that I sometimes make. I've adjusted to start turning any of the edits I make into an opportunity for learning and growth. By explaining and modeling AP style and essential journalistic writing standards, I can lead writers to understand what they need to improve, without making them feel lesser than for making mistakes.
Showing appreciation
After a new issue comes out, I frequently receive kudos on the stories and design. I always say that we would have no paper without our whole staff, especially our extremely talented and hardworking editors. I am incredibly lucky to lead such a wonderful group, and frequently say that to them. Though a cliche, teamwork does make the dream work, so I find it incredibly important to have a close-knitted editorial board. To encourage this, and to make them feel appreciated, my managing editor and I made them custom stockings and stuffed them with a handwritten card, chocolate and other goodies. I am a giving person by nature, and try to pour that into North Pointe.
Building positive relationships
At the start of the year, each editor is assigned two interns to mentor as they navigate their first year in the program. Â I find that these mentor-mentee relationships are one of the biggest contributors to a new member's experience to a positive experience on North Pointe. Though I am frequently buried in many responsibilities, I still make a point to continuously check in with my mentees and their work. Gabby (left) and Julia (middle) have both made amazing contributions to North Pointe this year, and it is so gratifying to see them fulfill their potential and be able to be by their side to coach them up. Working with Gabby and Julia has helped me become a better Editor-in-chief, as I am able to more readily see through the eyes of a younger staff member.
