Over a year ago, I released a series of articles and snippets regarding [gaming] clan leadership. I differentiated leading a clan from leading a squad (the latter of which is what most people do). The focus of my article was building and managing relationships. Today, this article still gets me much e-mail and comments so I figured it was time for a sort of anniversary. I'd like to discuss with everyone out there what you feel on the following:

• What appeals the most to you about a clan?
• What traits or skills do you feel the clan leader(s) must have?
• How would you define the word "clan"? In relation to gaming?
• Why would you consider leaving a clan if you are generally satisfied?
• How important is it for you to feel needed or at least fit in?
• What do you consider makes a clan "good" or noteworthy?

With those questions in mind, I invite you all to read my original blog titled...

Running a Gaming Clan: Leadership Lessons from aNewb

...It's chock-full of little nuggets of wisdom and community discussion. I'm hardly stating that there is only one way to run a successful clan but I do feel that this is a sort of call to all clan leaders.. How do YOU define "success"? The definition of success is something that unites or separates people. If you have chemistry, you probably are united under common goals. This is crucial in any task-oriented, interest-concentrated group - a gaming clan or squad is no exception!

When I first assembled my small group of gamers, geeks, and creative folks over a decade ago, my goal was to forge long-term relationships and create a clan that would last for a long time. At first, I didn't push the clan into other fronts but, as I saw very little in most clans that appealed to me, I decided to bring NoF to all fronts. My goal was to unite people that put fun before mere competition and paper stats.

Sometimes, clans get too caught-up with competition and it eats people up to the point in which members argue with each other and clans die. The continued success of my clan lies in never losing sight of the things that really matter and just having fun. After all, games exist to have fun. Why do people forget this?

There are tons of clans out there that aspire to be pro-caliber squads. In fact, these are the very clans that think that, if you are not on GameBattles.net (MLG) or some other recognized ladder system, you're not a "real clan". There's nothing wrong with that but the sad reality is that 95% of them, if not more, will die soon after a game becomes obsoleted or core members move onto other things. To me, that seems wasteful so I offer tips for people that want to do something different. If you want to be build a new type of legacy, this article is for you.

Here's a snippet of a recent Q&A exchange from my article. I'd love to hear what you all think so comment away! Oh... Any trolls looking to be funny here, please find another blog to stink up! ;o)

3. Despair - January 30, 2008

I am interested to know whether you think that its better to be a small group of super-elite players or a larger group with a more balanced sprinkling of average all the way to that pinnacle of excellence.

Also, just as somebody who would have written a very similar article if I was in your place as far as communication and listening skills being of more importance than "I am your almighty leader," what do you consider a good way of managing inter-clan disputes between (Just as an example) two well liked, highly skilled, and perhaps high-ranking clan members?

4. Yogizilla - January 30, 2008 VERY good questions - these are things that certainly affect all clanners!

Like I have said, the major issue in running a clan is finding that delicate balance between appeasing the individual egos and putting the collective good first (and keeping that collective good/goal in focus). It's much harder to manage a larger and some of the best players do not like big clans, simply because it means they have to compete for playing time and/or power. I like a large clan because it makes everyone work hard to earn their rights.

That being said, it's important to establish a vital core to the clan before expanding. It's also important to make sure you nourish the right culture before bringing others into the fold. If any of your core guys project the wrong goals and principles, there starts to be tension. Cliques form and that is never pretty.

I personally go for a personality fit rather than people that look good on paper. Stats can be baked many different ways and hardly reflect the full potential and value of a clan member. What you want are people that believe in your vision for the clan and have the right overall chemistry, both on and off the battlefield.

Intra-clan disputes are inevitable but I've learned a few simple things. If anyone gives you an ultimatum or puts themselves before the clan's overall good, let them go. That interruptive behavior is never any good. Chances are that person will help you do some house cleaning by taking some of the black sheep away from you.

I know this sounds crude but people change. If they get a crappy attitude and try to make you do things by using strong-arm tactics, that is obviously a selfish person. Those are the people you kick. I usually don't kick people. I just put them in a position where they can leave, thinking that they got the last word but, in reality, doing me a huge favor.

Naturally, not all intra-clan issues are so easy to resolve. I wouldn't worry about rank or skill. It's more about who has internalized the clan's principles and who really puts forward the most effort. The folks that plug in and interact the most are the keepers. Like I said, skills can be forged with good training but chemistry, willingness, sportsmanship, teamwork… Those are all things that are hard things to instill in people once bad habits are formed.

In regards to inter-clan issues, I try to keep trash talk between clans friendly and fun. Losing gracefully is part of the formula for learning from your mistakes. Sore losers usually externalize losses or blame others. It's hard to grow as a team when such bad sportsmanship takes place.

Overall, I think the clans that survive the longest are the ones that have a core group of members that truly respect each other and the clan's ideals. I can't stress that enough. When you get people excited about what your clan is about, the fire starts to burn! =oD