The Journey
A newsletter for chapter advisors, chapter officers, and regional officers.
May 2000 Issue
Outgoing Officers: Your Greatest Leadership Opportunity Awaits You… A Legacy of Leadership
As a leader of Phi Theta Kappa, you have been a part of many great experiences, but the greatest leadership opportunities have yet to unfold before you!
The spring term often marks a time of change for chapters. New officers are about to be elected, new members are being inducted, and many current members will soon graduate or transfer. Instead of saying goodbye to your leadership role, you can leave behind a positive role model. Pass along your enthusiasm for excellence and share your leadership philosophy with the future leaders of your chapter and region.
“People yearn to think that what they are doing is something useful, something important,” states Thomas E. Cronin in his article, “Thinking About Leadership,” from the Phi Theta Kappa Leadership Development Studies text. “The transforming or creative leader knows how to nourish conviction and morale within an organization – that what they are all about really does matter – and really can make a difference.”
As experienced Phi Theta Kappans, alumni members know how great an impact Phi Theta Kappa's programs have on the college campus, in the community, within the region and internationally. The voice of experience can shape the goals and ideals of new chapter leaders and members. “Good leaders know how to serve as morale-builders and renewers of purpose, and are able to get people to rededicate themselves to long-cherished but sometimes dimly understood values,” states Cronin.
So, how do outgoing leaders go about creating a leadership legacy for their chapters? Organizing an orientation for incoming officers would be a positive first step. Set aside time to talk with new leaders about their responsibilities, and share lessons you have learned throughout the past year. A well-prepared leadership team will be ready to meet the challenges of the upcoming year.
In his article, “The Tasks of Leadership,” John W. Gardner, a highly-respected leadership scholar, encourages leaders to assert a vision of what the organization can be at its best. You can help your fellow Phi Theta Kappans get excited about the chapter's vision by emphasizing how the Society's four Hallmarks – Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Fellowship – shape the shared beliefs and values of the chapter.
Because new leaders often arrive on the scene with fresh enthusiasm, motivation should not be a problem. Gardner points out that effective leaders know how to tap into individual motives and help channel them into the pursuit of significant shared goals. Outgoing chapter leaders can leave behind a climate in which there is pride in making significant contributions to shared goals.
Outgoing leaders should also strive to have positive attitudes toward the future of the chapter. Throughout the year, negative things can happen to tear at the chapter's spirit of teamwork and fellowship. Not everyone will always agree on every issue. Be fair in sharing that the road of leadership is not always easy, but don't saddle new leaders with the burdens of the past. Spreading negative attitudes and resentments over past conflicts will only dampen the enthusiasm of the chapter.
As chapter leaders become alumni members of Phi Theta Kappa, they can still serve as leaders in the Society's programs. Alumni may wish to volunteer at chapter or regional functions or return to chapter meetings as a guest speaker. They may also offer to help with chapter fundraisers or assist with students' travel expenses to conferences or conventions.
The International Headquarters values its alumni members and depends on them as experienced leaders. For example, by contributing to the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation, alumni can assist the Society in developing and continuing valuable programs.
“A distinctive characteristic of the ablest leaders is that they do not shrink from external representation,” states Gardner. “They see the long term needs and goals of their constituency in the broadest context, and they act accordingly.” As a leader in Phi Theta Kappa, you know the areas of greatest need. Consider this… you just might be the person meant to meet that need.