LEADERSHIP Tips

[Invalid_31]

Party Leadership - Tips

What follows are some suggestions on successfully leading a party.

I've had nothing but good experiences in DDO, but some parties have run off the rails and been totally rudderless that run every direction at once, with no communication or coordination.

Feel free to add positive comments on leadership.


1. Have a plan:
It doesn’t have to be anymore complicated than knowing how many people you want, what classes, and exactly what quest you will start with (later adventures can be a group decision). Set the agenda by stating that the party will meet at point X when the required people are recruited.

2. Communicate clearly and acknowledge return communications:
This is huge. Keep voice communication simple and direct and follow up with text when needed. Request that party members also communicate by calling out chests, targets, traps etc. For best communications, set an example by acknowledging communications to you.

3. Set the pace:
Keeping the group together can be critical in some dungeons. You need to lead the group by reminding them to stick together, to meet up at point X, to stop and wait up, to let the rouge go first, etc. Call out the direction to take when at intersections. Identify tactical situations that might require party consideration and coordination.

4. Be flexible:
Provide direction but don't micro-manage, people know their classes. Solicit feedback when you don’t know what to do. Listen to party members comments and suggestions when offered. Make a party decision when needed. Remember, you are leading because generally groups of people don’t have a common plan or direction. If the group comes to a group decision…you better go with the flow!

5. Simple Rules:
Finally, you might do well to mention your expectations prior to the group setting out.

a. "Please stick together and don’t run ahead."
b. "Call out observations in dungeon when able."
c. "Group up when requested please."
d. (optional) "If you all want lets meet at the end to trade class specific items."
e. (optional) "Hey gang do (or don't) provide spoilers if you have them."

There you have it. Feel free to add your tips, obervations, and experiences for good party leadership.

~Foo Fighter~

(Original Thread - http://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8161&highlight=leadership+tips )

[lemur]

Excellent article. This should be required reading for everyone who wants to start a PUG!

[Invalid_31]

Excellent article. This should be required reading for everyone who wants to start a PUG!

Thank you :}

~Foo Fighter~

[Clark91]

Excellent article Foo!

Although I am not "in-character" all of the time, myself (and many others) do occassionally roleplay. Although nothing in your post runs directly counter to role-playing, shouldn't at least some lip service be given to the role of role-playing?

Some characters have low wisdom, and might run headlong into traps. Other characters (e.g., squishy casters) might intentionally hang waaaaay behind in the party marching order. Haughty paladins might not have the patience (or humility) to work in the spirit of cooperation.

Unless one's game play is that of a min/maxer, a party of role-players wouldn't be expected to behave in the same manner as executives at IBM.

With that said, the reader should not confuse intentional decisions made in the course of true role-playing with merely foolish game-play, devoid of any role-playing considerations.


With that said, I do think Foo makes many sound points, and yes, I value players (both leaders and followers) who ascribe to his protocols.

[Elurian]

Well said, Foo.

[Gormenghast]

Great list. I am on my first time through ddo with my 9 cleric. Not belonging to a guild yet I join allot of Pugs. From what I have experienced I think allot of common gripes that players have, ie players running ahead, casters who insist on melee'ing with their staff, parties splitting up, all of these issues are solved when their is a good strong leader. My 2 cents to players who pug allot would be: Don't start a group if you are not a "leader".

[Vincenz]

Yep, gotta say, the biggest thing I respect in a PUG leader...is leading. At least ACT like you know what you're doing, and I'll probably believe you! ;)

[Gormenghast]

Excellent article Foo!

Although I am not "in-character" all of the time, myself (and many others) do occassionally roleplay. Although nothing in your post runs directly counter to role-playing, shouldn't at least some lip service be given to the role of role-playing?

Some characters have low wisdom, and might run headlong into traps. Other characters (e.g., squishy casters) might intentionally hang waaaaay behind in the party marching order. Haughty paladins might not have the patience (or humility) to work in the spirit of cooperation.

Unless one's game play is that of a min/maxer, a party of role-players wouldn't be expected to behave in the same manner as executives at IBM.

With that said, the reader should not confuse intentional decisions made in the course of true role-playing with merely foolish game-play, devoid of any role-playing considerations.


With that said, I do think Foo makes many sound points, and yes, I value players (both leaders and followers) who ascribe to his protocols.

With due respect to you Clark91 and to roleplayers in general, I think the op is obviously not refering to roleplayers as roleplaying is an intirely different beast and deserves, rightfully so, a thread of it's own or even a forum of it's own. You could hand the same character sheet to 100 roleplayers and all 100 of them would play that character differently. That being said you really can't create a difinitive list of do's and dont's for roleplaying or "this is how to play an 8 wisdom", but a general guide on roleplaying would be helpful.