Being a proper leader?

When leading an ITF, I usually try to let people know beforehand what the strategy is.
Examples:
- This is a speed itf. ( usually when advertising, so no one is surprised )
- Next mission, CPU first; Next mission, kill towers to 120, then we hit Rom, etc.
- Occasionally, I'll get a team where it's obvious most of the players have never done an ITF. I'll have to supplement that with "please follow me" or "my target please."
- An occasional compliment never hurts. "Nice Job" or "gj" at the end of a mission keeps morale up.
- Pay attention to the capabilities of your team. If multiple people die in the first mission of an ITF, they're probably not going to be able to handle an AV pull while killing the CPU or a Rom pull while clearing the courtyard.
- I tend not to lead teams when playing a squishy. Seeing the leader die doesnt do much for team confidence.


We probably need another post on how to be a proper follower, but thats another thread.

I'm going to step outside of the 'how to' section into the 'should you' section.

Should you be the leader? Does the star mean you have to lead? Does the team need a leader?

In my experience, no one on a team leads. I've very rarely had a person with a star tell me what to do. Most of the time, the team finds a groove without direction from any one person.

There are exceptions to this.

1. New Players - Sometimes a team member will add advice for new players.
2. Bad Players - Basically, me. Running off and doing my own thing. Happens occasionally.
3. Speed runs and complex TF strategy - Where coordination is key.
4. When players ask.

You don't need to be an active, vocal leader when players know their roles. That includes YOU. If you don't know how an AT works, don't tell them how to play.

If no one is dying, and the missions are getting done, go with the flow.

If there are multiple team wipes... discuss, don't demand.

Unless you're leading a TF/SF, and especially if you're going for a Master of... badge, you really don't need to do much "leading" in this game.

If you are leading a TF/SF, read the wiki and know what to expect. The only ones I can really think of that need any kind of "strategy" are STF, LRSF, and Baraccuda.

If you're planning to lead a Master of... SF/TF, let the players know ahead of time, and know what it takes to achieve the goal.

I joined a Master of Tin Mage TF this weekend that was advertised ahead of time to be a Master of... run, but apparently I was the only one who read the strategy on how to get the Dodger badge, and therefore the only one who bothered to get nukes or an HVAS. When I tried to explain the strategy to the leader, his response was, "OK everyone, on three. 1... 2... 3..." and everyone rushed into the warehouse while I was summoning my HVAS and preparing my nukes. Needless to say, we didn't even come close to getting the Dodger badge, and I wasted three nukes and 250 vanguard merits. I very nearly quit the TF then, but I stuck around until I had to leave for RL matters because it was my fault they were late getting started. I would team with those folks again, but I strongly doubt I'd consider joining a Master of... run with that leader in the future.

My 4 biggest pet peevees I have when teaming.

1. People who stereotype an AT.(Stalkers, MMs, Scrappers, Khelds, etc)

2. People who don't know the basics of all ATs and Powersets. I do mean the basics, I don't expect anyone to be a Knowledge Base of the game.

3. Someone who constantly insists we need an AT or Powerset. Tanks and Healers are nice but not required.

4. Aura Rockers. I prefer the people to contribute to the fight over someone who constantly spams their Healing Aura and nothing else.

So ...

I've been around a long time and have a baseline knowledge of most of the game's sets. That's a big help when putting together a team 'n' figuring a strategy if the team isn't steamrolling. First tip: roll a bunch of toons, and get a feel for different sets and ATs.

(De)buffers make the game more pleasant in every possible way. Invite as many (de)buffers as you can find (Defenders, Controllers, Corruptors, MMs, and, to a certain extent, VEATs). Pass over anyone advertising himself as a healer (no, seriously, you'll often end up with someone who thinks that auto-firing a heal is a serious contribution).

Second tip: If you've got a handful of (de)buffers, start inviting everyone else, regardless of AT (I have a soft spot for inviting stalkers). You'll be good to go for most of the game's content.

Third tip: once you have a better idea of how the game works and the various sets and ATs work together, then you start going for optimal teams. I.e., if all you can find is a bunch of blasters, look hard for any FF defender you can find over L22.

/em pokes Taser

I've seen you break your "don't boast" rule ... ummm ... frequently. If not constantly. And generally fatally

It always added to the fun, light-hearted mood you were going for to watch you consistently faceplant.

Good times!

I think the undertone of what you're saying boils down to, "It's a game. It's supposed to be fun. Don't take it, or yourself, too seriously. Sometimes, ensuring everyone has a good, non-stressful time means regrouping and talking things over."

Or making references to <shiver> The Pet Shop Boys.

Nice thead, Vik.

There's a lot of insightful advice in this thread; taken to heart, these points can really improve teaming experiences from hesitant or uncertain team leaders. Most people are afraid of failing a task and being blamed for a poor outcome; whether it's a TF fail, a team wipe or just a hiccup, people don't want that responsibility on their shoulders. As the leader, you need to willingly take that on when it happens (it will, at some point - it's what keeps the game interesting still) and then just as quickly get things moving again.

Like in real life, leading is about communicating a goal to your partners and stepping in when it's needed. To that end, let the team know beforehand what you're going to be doing, as well as any trouble spots you anticipate - and ways around them. I run "bring whatever you want, flip out and enjoy" TFs, and was running a Tin Mage the other day with 2 Khelds, no brutes, tanks or defensive buffs; the Khelds were asked to pop into Dwarf and play aggro champions, despite one being more used to playing in Nova. It was a blast, and the few KOs we had were from just goofing around - which is a sign of a fun team.

Some basic knowledge of what you're going up against is important to have, in order to effectively communicate if things sour. Carrying along envenomed daggers, nukes, shivans, etc., for the common -regen light team is a wise course of action. The more you can do to carry the burden without the rest of the team knowing, the more fun the team's likely to have.