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As a former advisor and current Province Director, I would advise this:
If they are following the rules but not wishing to do things just as you would, then give them some space to try new ideas or methods. As long as they are within policy, we have to give them some room to be individuals (even they ditch "traditions" that we loved as collegians for something new). Chapters do change, members change, exec boards change and they need to do things as a chapter that fit their personalities, needs, and wants.
Even if you think they will not succeed, sometimes you have to let them make their own mistakes (as long as they are not risk management type mistakes) and learn how to do it better. Sometimes a new way will work better for them, even if it didn't work for a different group of women in the past, because they are different women.
If they are not following rules and are bucking policy, that's a whole 'nother ball game! Then you need to get the support of your regional/province team and have them reiterate to the chapter that they need to do things differently. I see my main role as being a support system to the advisors while always encouraging the collegians to be the best chapter that they can be.
They obviously do want you and need you if they call you in times of crisis! It may be helpful to have a program on the role of advisors and find out from the collegians what they see your role as, as well as educating them as to what you want your role to be (or what it should be). They might not know how to "use" you to your full capacity either.
Some exec boards will be more difficult to work with than others, but keep in mind, they only stay the same for a year. The continuity of advisors is invaluable to a chapter, even if they don't realize it.
Dee
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