With the start of a new academic year, chapter leaders are brimming with ideas for chapter activities. So, how do you get your members fired up about your ideas?

"Leaders breathe life into their visions," explain James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner in their article, "Enlist Others: Attracting People to Common Purposes," from Unit Two of the Phi Theta Kappa Leadership Development Studies text.

According to Kouzes and Posner, "Leaders communicate their hopes and dreams so that others clearly understand and accept them as their own. Leaders know what motivates their constituents. They show others how their values and interests will be served by the long-term vision of the future." For example, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., demonstrates that the ability to influence others is "rooted as much in the fundamental values, cultural traditions and personal convictions as it is in rhetorical technique."

Why did King's speech have such an impact on his audience? Kouzes and Posner state that three fundamental qualities must exist in an inspirational presentation. "In order to move others to share the vision, leaders (1) appeal to common purpose, (2) communicate expressively and (3) sincerely believe in what they are saying."

Appealing to the Common Purpose

Chapter leaders first need to get to know the members of their chapter team. "No matter how grand the dream of the individual visionary, if others do not see in it the possibility of realizing their own hopes and desires, they will not follow it," say Kouzes and Posner. Sensitivity to others' needs, values and dreams is a precious human ability. Being sensitive to others simply means knowing your followers, listening to them and taking their advice. Show others how the vision can directly benefit them and how their specific needs can be met.

Communicating Effectively

Language is one of the most powerful tools for expressing a vision. A chapter leader must be able to describe his or her vision so that others can see it, hear it, taste it, touch it and feel it. Be sure to animate your vision.

A positive communication style can also help the leader express his or her vision. "We don't like leaders who are negative," state Kouzes and Posner. "They bring us down. We want leaders with enthusiasm, with a bounce in their steps, with a can-do attitude. We want to believe that we are part of an invigorating journey.

"Positive leaders share in the fun, excitement and triumph of group and individual successes. One of the primary ingredients in getting others to sign up for your cause is letting your own enthusiasm show, conveying to others that they too can be great."

Successful leaders also know that aggression does not attract followers. Expressions of warmth, caring and friendship will take you much closer to helping others see the vision of greatness that you have for the organization. Be open to your chapter members' opinions, and be willing to try new ideas. Share the decision-making process.

Believing in the Dream

As you start applying your leadership skills, you discover that articulating a vision is not just based on technique nor learning to speak with eloquence and style. These elements play an important role, but they are not enough. The leader must also be dedicated to the dream.

According to Kouzes and Posner, "You must be sincere in your own belief. None of these suggestions will be of any value whatsoever if you do not believe in what you are saying." If the leader is not excited about the possibilities, how can he or she expect anyone else to be?

Chapter advisors can also learn a lesson from these suggestions. While guiding your chapter officer team, share your own vision. Help them see your sincerity and conviction through your enthusiasm. As Kouzes and Posner point out, sharing a vision with others involves "heart to heart, spirit to spirit, life to life. The true force that attracts others is the force of the heart."

By applying these ideas to your chapter, you will find the common thread that will weave your chapter together to create a year you will never forget.