I agree with much of what you have said there red.
There are many ways to run a successful tribe so anyone that thinks their way is the only good way needs to think again.
Inactivity is indeed a big problem for many tribes and if I have learnt anything from running this tribe its that an inactive account is a useless account. In the early days of TFF players were warned if they went yellow and if it happened again they were either kicked and nobled or nobled without being kicked basically whichever scenario was best suited at the time. (whitey is a big fan of the second way
).
Team spirit is indeed essential but more important than that is a team that will push through the hard times when morale is low.
I agree that strong leadership is essential but must admit I really dislike councils. To me that creates a them and us division within a tribe. Whilst I admit I have players that I will consult for ideas and what not the final decisions in my tribe start and end with me and thats that.
What I have tried to do all the way through in TFF is keep everything as open as it can be. I do not believe in keeping secrets from my members or basically hiding anything from them. I'm pretty sure that any member in my tribe currently knows that I am only a mail or skype conversation away and will do my best to resolve any issues that crop up.
I on the other hand am one for being a tad over sensitive sometimes which I admit has cost me some friends on here. I hold to my way of doing things and generally don't hold my tongue when perhaps it would be just easier to say nothing and nod and smile instead. It is a personal lesson I have tried to learn but seem incapable of lol.. What I am proud of in despite me losing players like Margaret and Jo TFF still thrived without them and that is testament to every player within the tribe. So the real lesson here is the leader of the Rank 1 tribe or indeed the winning tribe is just as able to make some Big mistakes and is not above it. I am just lucky to have had such a good bunch of great and loyal friends behind me to mop up after I have a moment. :icon_redface:
So something for you to take forward Red is this. It is the one bit of advice that can help you when you try to run a tribe.
"Any skill in this game can and should be taught to your members. What cannot be taught is the will and determination to at least try and win. If you can recognise which of your members have this and which don't you will be well on your way."
I'll stop waffling on now.