Officer Leadership — The First Steps
Focus. Finding purpose. Setting the course. Creating goals. Yes, these are the stepping stones for new leadership teams. There’s a lot to do. Here are three quick points to help you begin a stellar officer experience.
Respect the honor of your office.
The honor of your office is like a shiny ball the membership trusts you to hold. Every election gives the honor of serving to new officers. When you accept your responsibilities and are officially installed it’s as if the shiny ball passed from the previous officer’s hands into yours. However long your organization has existed — 5 years, 20 years, 75 years or more — every elected officer holds this honor. Would that officer (will you) make the office better, shinier, well-kept? Or would that officer (will you) ignore some responsibilities and drop the shiny ball or let it get dusty with neglect? Your job is to shine and polish the shiny ball with your commitment and efforts.
Encourage your team members to bring their best.
Each team is a unique mix of people and personalities. Trying to fill the shows of the person before using their approach usually isn’t the best plan. You and your team were elected. Encourage others to bring their unique gifts to the team and let that guide their efforts. What is the magic or wonderful they bring? This needs to be the starting place for their efforts. It’s where you’ll make things happen and shine.
Connect with your members.
Remember you support the membership. At every opportunity you and your team need to be connecting and learning about your members. Your team might be full of awesome members, but you serve the membership. Connect with your members as much as possible
Three simple steps to put you in the best place to serve your membership!
