system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
How can I be a good leader if I'm just as unexperienced as everyone else?

I'm a current undergrad in a research experience position in physics. Myself and the other undergrads are all being sent to our country's telescope array to spend 24hrs taking observations and then a week analysing the data. Since there are about 12 of us in total, they're splitting us into groups with separate projects to do, and I have been appointed a kind of 'PI' for one group since the observations directly relate to the work I'm currently doing. 

None of the supervisors are going on the trip, so I could very likely be the only person at the telescope compound who has *any* knowledge of this particular niche field of astronomy. My knowledge is obviously very limited and likely incorrect in places, so I'm worried that I won't be able to effectively lead my group in both observation and data analysis. At least one group member actually has no physics background at all, and is instead doing mechatronics with a project involving some of the telescope systems and data storage. 

I'm quite a bit of a perfectionist and I enjoy working long hours, which I suspect will be a little at odds with some of the team members' preferences, after having already worked near them for over a month now. I also have trouble explaining things effectively, because the things that are obvious to me, are not to others, and vice versa. 

Generally, I'm concerned that I'm not really 'leader' material. I have no qualifications or real experience to warrant having a position of power over my peers, and am in fact the youngest. I'm worried that the other students might resent me for this fact, as they're incredibly competitive and were not happy that I was given the job, or that my project was chosen over theirs. However, having me lead this project is incredibly important to both my supervisors here and my professors at my home university, and I understand that not only is this an opportunity for priceless experience, but that I'll likely have to take a leadership position some time in the future. As such, relinquishing the position doesn't seem like a good move, and I imagine I'd only be disappointed in myself if I did. 

So what kind of things should I focus on when trying to lead this group, keeping in mind my general inexperience?
gpt
First, it's a really good sign that you're self aware enough to seek insight on how to lead people.  Many terrible leaders are that way because they lack empathy and self awareness; you've already gotten past the first step.

There are so many books and articles on leadership and many of them are terrible.  I'll just cover a few high level points.  First, people have different interaction frameworks and different skill profiles.  Recognizing that there are differences and working to allow different frameworks opportunities to contribute is key to maximizing the capacity of a team.  For example, some people are intuitive and quick.  They see "the solution" immediately and want to get working right away.  This framework, if left unchecked, will likely prevent quiet, thoughtful, individuals from participating completely.  Be conscious of these differences.

Second, it's a good idea to formalize some rules for the group to keep that thoughtfulness present.  Ground rules can go a long way towards keeping groups happy and effective.  For example, how are decisions going to be made?  How will discussions be structured?  What are the expectations around contributing?  An example of this in your case is what are the work hours?  If you want to work from 7 am until midnight every day is there going to be a feeling that is expected of everyone?  Will people who need more rest feel excluded?  

Feel free to ask any additional questions you have as well.  Good luck!