leadership and team building
Journalism has so much to offer, but I believe that the driving force that has fueled my passion for newspaper is the team I get to work with. The ReMarker staff is made up of over 60 editors, writers, designers, artists and photographers. Every staff member has a unique perspective and skillset that they bring to the table, and my role as editor-in-chief is to help bring out the strengths in everyone so we can create a cohesive and functioning team.
My leadership style revolves around "the little things" — how I interact with the staff every day. This means creating an atmosphere that's geared towards achieving our newspaper goals, but it also means creating an atmosphere where people are going to enjoy themselves and enjoy what they do. It's why I decided we should invest a little bit of our extra budget to purchase a mini fridge — so I can keep the publications suite stocked with snacks and our fridge stocked with drinks. It's why I blast music on work nights. It's why we'll go to the gym and shoot hoops as a break from working to clear our minds.
I cannot make a dent in describing all that I've learned as a leader of this newspaper, because this opportunity has been the most challenging and rewarding experience of my life. Every day, I strive to push myself and push everyone around me to do better, because there is always room for growth and improvement.
My Role on staff
Here is a description of my official role as editor-in-chief:
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Responsible for the overall integrity of the newspaper (editorial content, appearance, coverage, production, scheduling, staff/personnel issues and advertising).
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Coordinate intensive training for editors through summer retreat and workshops.
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Chair the Editorial Board: write editorials, as directed.
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Working with managing editors, ensure that all articles are submitted in a timely manner.
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Working with managing editors, ensure that layout/production efforts are completed on time.
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Assure that all photographic and visual needs are submitted in a timely manner.
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Coordinate printing needs and production schedule with our printer, Greater Dallas Press.
Organization
When working with a staff of over 60 students, I have learned that the best way to keep everyone on track to meet interview, writing, visual and design deadlines is through creating a detailed schedule. Every cycle, I create a production calendar to ensure the entire staff is on the same page when it comes to getting their work done. Posting it in our ReMarker Facebook group and placing copies all around the publications suite, I want to make sure the whole staff is involved and engaged with the production schedule.
Communication
The best way to be in sync with the staff is through constant communication. I created a ReMarker Facebook group we can all easily communicate to the whole group. I usually use it to let the staff know when I'm feeling proud and to keep everyone updated about what's going on.
the ice bowl
The Ice Bowl is the annual yearbook versus newspaper football game at St. Mark's. The editor-in-chief of each publication serves as the quarterback and team captain. It's a great way to create a sense of team among the staff in an environment where we wouldn't normally interact. This year, I designed jerseys for The ReMarker and got everyone excited for the big game well-before it actually took place.
