Chapter Advisor Training
(excerpt from Chapter Advisor Handbook, pp. 25-26)
Leadership Aids
How to Measure Success
The success of a collegiate chapter is most often in direct proportion to the support and guidance of its advisors. A successful chapter is happy, has a true spirit of sisterhood and exhibits positive attitudes.
The members have respect and pride in their chapter, their sisters and the Fraternity as a whole. The members accept responsibility for their actions individually and as a unit.
A successful chapter is competent and tends to chapter business in a mature, business-like manner. It is at the top of the scholarship ladder. It attains quota and remains at total.
The chapter shows respect for Fraternity Ritual and performs all ritual services with dignity. The initiated members and new members maintain acceptable standards within a balanced social schedule. They work cohesively and in a mature manner with the College Panhellenic and other groups on campus.
All collegiate members are active in campus affairs and organizations, with many holding positions of leadership. The chapter has stable finances and a good public image with the campus administration. The collegiate members maintain a good relationship with their alumnae.
The Target Achievement Workshop documents chapter areas of success and is used as a tool to set achievement goals for ongoing success.
The Art of Delegation
It is important for leaders to delegate. Delegation is a form of insurance that the chapter will run smoothly and efficiently. If the Chapter Advisor must be absent, continued operation can be assured; someone is knowledgeable.
Delegation helps build the personal image of a leader. Many times the role of a leader is judged by the performance of those of whom she has delegated activities.
The future of Alpha Gamma Delta depends on the development of potential leaders. A key component of leadership development is the ability to delegate.
Why do individuals tend to overlook or disregard delegating? There is a belief that another member will not be able to handle the assignment or there is fear of competition from other members. Some people are afraid of losing the credit or recognition; or fear a weakness will be exposed. It takes time to delegate, but it is worth the time to develop potential leadership.
How does one delegate? Select the jobs or project to be delegated set goals and deadlines. Select the proper person for the task. People love to feel a part of the team. Prepare and motivate! Write down key points and ask questions to be sure the task is fully understood. Turn over the work and encourage independence. Review of goals and timelines should be completed periodically.
Remember effective delegation aids progress, builds morale and inspires personal initiative.
Traits of Effective Leaders
1. Effective leaders learn from any setting. They take notes obsessively.
2. They constantly strive for improvement. No idea is too small.
3. They take pleasure in other’s efforts. Unlimited success awaits those who do not feel the need to gain credit.
4. These leaders revel in knowing every detail of their operation/responsibility.
5. They have clear and compelling vision.
6. Effective leaders seem to have infinite time to listen to the individual.
7. Leaders are curious and always where the action seems to be.
8. Effective leaders make the person they are with, feel like the most important human being in the world.
9. Effective leaders are flexible. They are not constantly caught up in bureaucracy.
10. They are able to focus on issues or parameters which allow them to accurately judge their progress toward achieving their vision.
11. Effective leaders love to serve.
Positive Member Development
As a Fraternity unit, we strive to assist our members to develop in a positive manner.
Emphasis should be on the individual. Each person is considered to be unique—having different values, needs, goals, talents and skills. Each new member is treated individually, identifying talents and weaknesses as they relate to the chapter as a whole.
New members should be drawn into chapter activities. One purpose of the new member program is to teach new members the responsibility of membership. Serving on committees, participating in chapter events and helping to achieve chapter goals will help to educate new members about this responsibility.
The responsibility for the success of the new members falls on each initiated member. Each member is responsible for helping to prepare the new members for the full responsibility of Fraternity membership.
Positive personal development should continue for life. Members should be aware that there are always new skills to be learned and experiences to be shared even after collegiate days end. The chapter provides members with opportunities for growth and development.
Prime motivators are pride, acceptance, understanding and the emergence of self-respect and confidence. Members and advisors are responsible for setting a good example for other initiated members and new members to follow. Expectations should be explained and established early. Regular, individual discussions should be used to evaluate progress throughout the collegiate experience.
Presented at the Volunteer Leadership Conference 2007 2