You’ve probably been at this for a while; I’ve been at it for around six years, while some are stepping into this new atmosphere, and others have been at it for decades. How well do we blend personalities, skills, and responsibilities that shape how well a team functions? Even our most seasoned staff face challenging issues, and the common ones include staff turnover, uneven skill levels, and inconsistent accountability.
In a recent presentation I created on Team Dynamics and Leadership, I walked advisors and student leaders through practical strategies for strengthening newsroom culture and improving team performance. This blog breaks down the key takeaways from that session.
Understanding Team Dynamics: Why They Matter
A newsroom is more than a group of students producing content — it’s an ecosystem. When one part of the system is struggling, the entire operation feels it.
Healthy team dynamics:
- Improve communication
- Reduce conflict
- Build trust
- Increase productivity
- Create a positive environment where students feel valued
When advisors and student leaders understand these dynamics, they can spot problems early and create solutions before they disrupt production.
Challenge #1: Staff Turnover
Student media naturally faces high turnover — students graduate, get overwhelmed, or shift to new interests. But turnover doesn’t have to derail your newsroom.
Strategies to Manage Turnover
- Create step-by-step guides for repeat tasks (editing, layout, social media, etc.)
- Build a mentorship pipeline pairing experienced students with new staff
- Hold onboarding workshops to train new team members quickly
- Document workflows so no one person holds all the knowledge
Turnover becomes less stressful when your newsroom structure is built to adapt.
Challenge #2: Uneven Skill Levels
Every advisor knows the struggle: some students come in ready to lead, while others are still figuring out AP style, interviewing, or basic communication.
Strategies for Developing Skills
- Start with strengths. Assign students roles that match their abilities and build confidence.
- Offer layered learning. Provide advanced training for experienced staff and foundational training for beginners.
- Use real newsroom tasks as teaching moments. Every story is an opportunity for growth.
- Encourage peer-to-peer coaching. Students often learn better from each other.
Skill gaps shrink when leaders focus on consistent, intentional development.
Challenge #3: Accountability
Accountability is one of the toughest issues in student media — especially when students juggle multiple responsibilities.
Strategies to Improve Accountability
- Clear job descriptions so everyone knows their role
- Defined deadlines that are communicated and enforced
- Regular check-ins to track progress
- Consequences that teach, not punish
- A culture of shared responsibility, where students support each other’s success
Accountability isn’t about pressure — it’s about commitment to the work and to each other.
Team dynamics and leadership shape everything about the student newsroom experience. When advisors and student leaders focus on building strong relationships, clear expectations, and supportive structures, the newsroom becomes more resilient — no matter what challenges arise.
You can check out my presentation in the Advisor Tools tab or click here.
