Team Experience
The organization I joined was the Illinois Space Society. In which, I am a part of their high-power rocketry team in the Fabrication (FAB) and System, Design, Analysis (SDA) sub-teams.
I have been with this team for one semester so far.
What did you learn about leadership from this team experience?
I learned several important leadership lessons through my experience on the Fabrication (FAB) and Systems Design and Analysis (SDA) teams within the Illinois Space Society’s high-power rocketry program. One of the most valuable lessons was the importance of clear and consistent communication. Team leads regularly asked members for availability before scheduling meetings, which showed respect for everyone’s time. This approach made collaboration more efficient and encouraged members to stay engaged.
Another key leadership quality I observed was transparency. When meetings were canceled, projects delayed, or attendance was low, the leads openly explained the reasons behind those decisions. This honesty helped build trust within the team and prevented confusion or frustration. Knowing why changes were made helped members feel included rather than disconnected from leadership decisions.
Teamwork was another major leadership lesson. During meetings and work sessions, everyone contributed to the task at hand, whether it involved sanding fiberglass, assembling components, or designing new rocket fins. Leaders encouraged participation and valued input from all members, regardless of experience level. This created an environment where people felt comfortable sharing ideas and taking responsibility.
Overall, this experience showed me that effective leadership is built on communication, transparency, and teamwork, all of which are essential to being a successful leader.
How did this team experience contribute to your understanding of the interpersonal/team leadership competency you chose to develop through this program?
My experience with the Illinois Space Society’s Spaceshot FAB and SDA teams significantly strengthened my understanding of interpersonal and team leadership competencies, particularly communication, relationship management, empathy, and collaboration. Working on a highly technical, team-based project showed me that leadership is about how individuals interact, support one another, and work toward a shared goal.
Through regular meetings and hands-on work sessions, I learned how effective communication directly impacts team success. Clear communication from team leads regarding scheduling, expectations, and project changes helped keep members engaged and informed. This reinforced the importance of transparency and consistency when working with diverse groups of people. I also became more confident speaking up, asking questions, and contributing ideas, which strengthened my communication skills within a technical environment.
This experience also helped me grow in relationship management and empathy. Team members came from different academic backgrounds and experience levels, which required patience, understanding, and mutual respect. By collaborating on tasks, such as designing a new fin for the rocket, I learned to value others’ perspectives and strengths. Leaders encouraged participation from everyone, making the team feel inclusive and supportive.
The Illinois Space Society allowed me to apply the interpersonal leadership concepts I learned through the Leadership Certificate Program in a real-world setting. It helped me understand how communication, empathy, and teamwork are essential to effective leadership.