The Secrets of Success
You have worked hard all year long. You have achieved your Five Star Goal, participated in the Hallmark Awards Program and reached the Pinnacle. More members are coming to chapter meetings and your fundraising campaign was a success. As the school term ends, it is time for outgoing officers to pass the gauntlet of leadership.
Before you go, leave a lasting legacy for your chapter by giving new officers the guidance they need to build upon your achievements. The officer orientation can set the tone for the entire year, and increase your chapter's chance for continued success. Find out how to make your officer orientation the best it can be as chapter officers share their secrets of success.
Build a Bond
Officer orientation can be overwhelming as new officers learn about chapter, regional and international resources and programs. Develop a team spirit among new officers by including fun activities like icebreakers and interactive exercises. Kimberly Aksamit, chapter president at Minnesota State Community and Technical College, plans to whisk her new officer team away to a state park for a weekend of camping during the summer. Other chapters hold officer orientations at the advisor's home, in favorite restaurants or at a local conference center or hotel meeting room.
Pass Down the Chapter History
Rebecca Keys turned to the Chapter Officer Conference Center at http://forums.ptk.org/~chapoff for help planning her officer orientation. Rebecca, chapter president at San Jacinto College in Texas, found that "most of the new officers are brand new to Phi Theta Kappa." Familiarize your officers with the Society by downloading the complete history online at www.ptk.org/ptk_intro.htm, and watching the Good as Gold DVD for a better understanding of Phi Theta Kappa programs and membership benefits.
Michael Gyurnek, chapter president at Valencia Community College in Florida, believes "one of the best ways to help your chapter succeed in the future is to create a book of achievements and not-so-successful practices. This gives the new officers a peer-generated guideline."
Instill Communications Savvy
New officers should know about the three levels of the Society - chapter, regional and international - and how to reach their contacts at each level. Discuss methods of communication in the chapter, such as phone and email lists, message boards, newsletters or websites, and establish a plan for scheduling executive and chapter meetings. DJ Schultz, vice president at St. Louis Community College-Forest Park in Missouri, says, "schedule frequent meetings with other officers where the president directs the meeting but does not contribute, therefore allowing the officers to take ownership in brainstorming and policy making. My chapter labels these meetings a priority."
Know Who's Who
Develop a great team by informing each officer of his or her responsibilities. Jessy Decker, public relations officer and historian at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College in North Carolina, says her chapter "asked outgoing officers to write a more detailed description of their duties that would give new officers a clearer picture of their expectations." In addition to discussing each officer's role, explain officer benefits and resources, and clearly define the transition period between the outgoing and incoming officer teams.
Get With the Program
Give an overview of Phi Theta Kappa programs using the Programs section beginning on page 36 of the 2004-06 Chapter Resource Manual. Concentrate on programs in which your chapter has previously participated and new opportunities to get involved. Mary McFalls, Indiana Region North Vice President and newly elected chapter president at Ivy Tech State College - Muncie, says "during our officer training session, new officers are given a binder filled with information about the Hallmarks, Honors Study Topic, Satellite Seminars, International Service Program and other important aspects of Phi Theta Kappa." Program information is also available at www.ptk.org.
Learn to Lead
Group exercises are most effective in communicating the leadership skills necessary for chapter officers. Ask your advisor about the Phi Theta Kappa Leadership Development Studies Program, or check with your college's student activities department for ideas on topics like email "netiquette," public speaking, leadership styles, goal setting and effective teamwork.
Plan for the Road Ahead
Steven Carlisle, Illinois Southern Vice President and outgoing chapter president at Illinois Central College, gives this word of advice on preparing new officers: "Sit with the new officers when they plan their year. We had a very successful year due to planning over the summer." Work with new officers to set a Five Star Goal, and help them understand how to use the Five Star Chapter Development Program as the chapter's business plan. Discuss yearly or traditional events, and the procedures for getting involved in new opportunities.
The Last Word
Remember, the officer orientation is serious business, but it is also a time for sharing your memories of the chapter and encouraging fellowship among the new leaders. Bruce Haupt, Jr., chapter president at Brevard Community College in Florida, sums up the spirit of the officer orientation when he asks, "How can we have fun during the year if we aren't friends?"
Get a detailed officer orientation agenda beginning on page 11 of the 2004-06 Chapter Resource Manual or online at www.ptk.org/chapters/resources/train/. For questions about officer education, contact Chapter Officer Coordinator Brandi McNeil at 601.984.3580.
