Quote:
Originally posted by SOPi_Jawbreaker
Hi! My sorority just had elections last night and I am going to be the new president next semester. I'm really nervous. Everyone has been really encouraging and telling me that they believe in me and that they know I'm going to do a good job. I really don't want to let them down.
My question is if there are any good resources for something like this, like books on leadership/motivating others or any threads on GC? I tried doing a search but I didn't find anything. Also, if anyone is or has been president of their organization, how did you prepare yourself for the position and if you would have any advice on how to be a good president?
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First off, see what your organization has on what is expected of chapter presidents, in terms of materials and training. Each is going to be a little different.
Second, be sure you have a copy of your Chapter's Bylaws and other rules (whatever you might call them) and your National orgs Bylaws and rules. These should tell you what is expected of the chapter president in terms of duties and the like. This avoids the "i didn't know I was supposed to do x" syndrome.
See if your org has a booklet or the like on what is expected of a chapter president. (mine does, on-line at our national site)
Get a copy of Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised, so you understand how to run a meeting. (it also has basic organizational info) If RONR is too much, ALSO get a copy of RONR In Brief.
See if you org has any training program for chapter officers. Next see if your school offers any kind of training/leadership development program for organizational officers.
As for other resources:
* learn how to run a meeting effecitively. Get Rober'ts Rules and other parlimentary resources for this. See if there is a local group of the National Association of Parliamentarians or the American Insititute of Parliamentarians who can help out.
* learn about teamwork. Many schools have team building and leadership programs. Take advantage of them.
* learn about leadership. Again, many schools and related groups are providing these.
* learn about planning & goal setting, both personal and organization. Lots of resources for that (see works by Steven Covey, et al)
As to good leadership books, there are a lot. But some may not be applicable to a small group (ie many are aimed at those in the corporate environment). Also look for books aimed at 'youth leadership', which may be harder to find.
Some good ones:
Leadership Challenge, 3rd ed
Leadership and the One Minute Manager
One Minute Manager Builds High Performing Teams
On Becoming a Leader
The Servant-Leader Within
just about anything by John C. Maxwell, Walter Bennis, Max DePree, Wess Roberts etc.
See if your school library has any of these. You can also browse the business section of local bookstores.
Hope this helps
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