The Journey
A newsletter for chapter advisors, chapter officers, and
regional officers.
November/
December 2000
Issue
Fine-Tuning Your Leadership Philosophy:
A Regional Perspective
Do you have the ‘right stuff’ to succeed as a leader? Do you ever wonder what leadership skills can help you tap into the resources of your team? Is one skill more important than another?
According to John W. Gardner’s article, “The Tasks of Leadership,” from Unit One of the Phi Theta Kappa Leadership Development Studies text, a leader must be able to create a climate where there is pride in making significant contributions to shared goals. Gardner points out that leaders “accomplish the alignment of individual and group goals. They deal with the circumstances that often lead group members to withhold their best efforts.”
If you are still in the midst of developing your own leadership philosophy, you may find some guidance in the thoughts shared during a recent discussion on the Phi Theta Kappa Regional Officer Electronic Mailing List. Regional leaders were asked the following question:
What leadership skill have you found to be the most valuable in your role as a Regional Officer?
“While serving as
the 1999-2000 Nevada/ California Regional President I learned that ‘motivating
and inspiring’ were two very important leadership qualities. I truly believe
that in order to be an effective leader and achieve success in programs,
you must prepare the road map, motivate and inspire others to see our
vision. I worked alongside them and supported them each step of the way
on this most incredible journey.”
Kandy Kaye Aranda
2000-01 Nevada/California Regional Vice President - Nevada District
“I feel the most valuable
leadership skill would have to be fellowship. Getting along with people
makes meetings go so much better and makes them more enjoyable. Everyone
is more cooperative, expressive and has a much better time.”
Megan Marchini
2000-01 Illinois Regional Northern Vice President
“I feel that the most
important characteristics would not only include fellowship but also the
ability to motivate, inspire, and understand. The term ‘charisma’ says
all that for me. In order to be a great Phi Theta Kappa leader, charisma
must be overlapped with a deep-seated love for this Society. Without that
love, members see right through their leaders.”
Renee Fish
2000-01 Illinois Regional Secretary
“I am convinced that
a love of our Society along with a deep, personal understanding of its
ideals, make up the cornerstone of a good leader. It is of utmost importance
for a credible leader to be involved in activities that promote such ideals.
Charisma is an important motivating character trait, but without involvement
the illusion of the ability to lead is lost on those willing to follow
any person that just ‘fits the mold.’ True leaders must not only fit the
mold, but fill the mold completely, proving their love, understanding
and commitment to such ideals by their direct involvement and sacrifice
of time.”
Jennifer Stevens
2000-01 Indiana Regional President
“I think that one
of the best skills a regional officer can have is that of communication.
Without communication, nothing gets done. Most of the regions have chapters
scattered many miles away, and coordinating a project with all chapters
in attendance can be nearly impossible. So, communicating your goals and
projects is very important. Communication is a two-way street. The assistance
you provide to the chapters will make them better chapters. The feedback
they give to you will make you a better officer.”
Matthew Yazzie
2000-01 New Mexico Northern Regional Vice President
“It is my belief that
one needs a good understanding of all personality types and the communication
skills that are necessary for the different types.”
Diane E. Caballero
2000-01 Oklahoma/Arkansas Regional Vice President of Membership
“Communication is
one of the most valuable skills needed for leadership. If a colleague
calls for information, and I am unable to help, I never say ‘no’; I put
that person in contact with someone that can help. Therefore, they do
not feel like they left empty-handed. Also another important leadership
skill is patience. People rely on me to keep everything under control.”
Lisa Nelson
2000-01 New Jersey State President, Middle States Region
“One of the best leadership
skills that helped me deal with several situations during my term as a
regional officer was empathy. When a member came to me with a problem,
I learned to listen and identify with where they were coming from first
before offering them suggestions; or if no solution was available, that
person usually felt better because someone took the time to listen.”
Kimberly Allen
1999-2000 Michigan Regional Secretary-Treasurer
“I think the most
important leadership skill is more of a personal attribute — that of service
and dedication. I really learned through my time as a regional officer
what it means to put others above yourself. I usually have a lot of ideas
and a lot of energy to accomplish the ideas, but it is always important
to bring the rest of the team with you on an idea or project. It always
takes energy to focus on the needs of others, but I think that is what
really ‘makes’ a leader.”
Elizabeth Edwards
1999-2000 Arizona Regional President
Developing your personal leadership philosophy can be a challenge. Your leadership choices do make a difference. “People yearn to think that what they are doing is something useful, something important,” explains Thomas E. Cronin in his article, “Thinking About Leadership,” in the 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.” So, as you are pondering which skills you need to develop, consider the team you are leading and then fine-tune your natural abilities.
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