BE A SUCCESSFUL LEADER

“The Winning Edge” 

Find a role model.  Choose someone you believe has good leadership skills, whether from inside or outside NALS.  Observing a role model helps keep you directed in what kind of leader you want to be and how you want to develop.  Networking through professional organizations can help you find role models and other professionals with whom you can share leadership concerns and issues.

Volunteer for projects.  Working as a team member will help you observe how other people lead.  Consider how you like to be treated as a team member and remember that when you are in charge of a project or committee.

Be humble.  Just because you are the leader does not mean you know all the answers.  You need help from others.

Demonstrate loyalty.  Do not try to outshine your members.  Avoid backstabbing and gossip.  Your purpose as a leader is to ensure smoother operation – not to make a name for yourself.  Be a leader for the right reasons.

Be professional.  Follow proper business etiquette in your dress, speech, and conduct.  Speak clearly and avoid slang such as “yeah” or “uh-huh” when speaking with your members.

Think of every project as a learning opportunity.  When you assume a leadership role, go into it expecting to be successful!

Be flexible.  Realize that situations may occur that you were not prepared for, but that you, as a leader, will have to handle.  For example, you may need to give up lunch to meet chapter deadlines, or do your president reports.  Flexibility will help you better manage unforeseen problems.

Listen.  Seek input from chapter members, and really listen to their suggestions and feedback.  This encourages everyone to stay involved.  AVOID THE DREADED – we already tried that and it did not work!!!

Delegate.  Leaders have the responsibility of dividing work into tasks that can be assigned to chapter members.  Talk to your chapter members to find out where their strengths and interests lie.  Ask for volunteers before randomly assigning tasks.

Read and observe.  The more in tune you are with what is happening in your chapter, the better prepared you are to lead people, and the more likely you will be chosen as a leader.

Show appreciation.  Thank team members for work well done.  You can even create certificates of appreciation, send complimentary memos or cards.  The e-mail is also a good source to share accomplishments.