Once you are already a leader, it seems never-ending. It is important to continue to make goals for yourself. When you gain positions, it sometimes seems like that's all you can handle in the beginning.
-Work on surprising yourself. Strive to reach your full potential.
-Make big goals. It's important not to limit yourself.
-Never settle. Push yourself more than you think you can.
-Try new things. You can figure out what things you do enjoy doing the most.
-Be yourself and do as much as you can. The experiences will be worth it.
As a leader, it's important to be proud of your accomplishments and to meet new goals. Gaining new positions is the best way of becoming an even more successful leader.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Money Skills
Working with a budget is usually always part of being in an organization. Although you may not be the treasurer or one in charge of keeping all of the details up to date, it is equally important to know how money is being spent.
-Always keep receipts and make sure they are going to the right people if you are in a situation that you can get reimbursed.
-If you are being told to make a purchase, make sure you know how much you can spend.
-Try and save money on less important things so that you have some wiggle room later on.
-Keep in mind all of the different things that money does need to be spent on, because it adds up quickly.
-Always keep receipts and make sure they are going to the right people if you are in a situation that you can get reimbursed.
-If you are being told to make a purchase, make sure you know how much you can spend.
-Try and save money on less important things so that you have some wiggle room later on.
-Keep in mind all of the different things that money does need to be spent on, because it adds up quickly.
To-Do Lists
Making lists is a great way to keep yourself organized and less stressed. They help remind you what you need to do and when, and you can also even prioritize the things you need to get done.
-When making a list keep in mind the most important from the least important.
-Make separate lists for people you need to call, things you need to email, things you need to buy, and things you need to do.
-Another way to organize lists is by the day of the week so you know things are being completed in the best order.
-Checking off things when they get done is also important so you don't get confused.
-When making a list keep in mind the most important from the least important.
-Make separate lists for people you need to call, things you need to email, things you need to buy, and things you need to do.
-Another way to organize lists is by the day of the week so you know things are being completed in the best order.
-Checking off things when they get done is also important so you don't get confused.
Organization
A simple part of being a good leader is to practice good organization. It not only increases productivity but can help to minimize stress.
Some ways to stay organized are:
-Label everything! It's a lot easier to find things when they go missing, especially more important items or documents.
-Always put things away. Messes can be avoided when you do.
-Make a to-do list. This helps you to understand what needs to happen and when.
-Keep supplies up to date. When you don't have all of the things you need to complete tasks, it wastes time.
-Use a planner to keep track of important dates!
Some ways to stay organized are:
-Label everything! It's a lot easier to find things when they go missing, especially more important items or documents.
-Always put things away. Messes can be avoided when you do.
-Make a to-do list. This helps you to understand what needs to happen and when.
-Keep supplies up to date. When you don't have all of the things you need to complete tasks, it wastes time.
-Use a planner to keep track of important dates!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Stress Busters
Being a leader can get stressful! Here are some tips on how to manage it.
1. Remember to breathe! Remaining calm and relaxed is a much better way to deal with situations rather than being tense or anxiety-ridden.
2. Be healthy! When you eat right, exercise right, and sleep right your daily life seems much less stressful and healthier!
3. Don't forget to reward yourself. Whether it's taking a relaxing shower or watching your favorite show on television, there are endless small ways to give back to yourself after a hectic day.
Managing stress can be difficult, but it's better to learn to control it and not let it control you!
1. Remember to breathe! Remaining calm and relaxed is a much better way to deal with situations rather than being tense or anxiety-ridden.
2. Be healthy! When you eat right, exercise right, and sleep right your daily life seems much less stressful and healthier!
3. Don't forget to reward yourself. Whether it's taking a relaxing shower or watching your favorite show on television, there are endless small ways to give back to yourself after a hectic day.
Managing stress can be difficult, but it's better to learn to control it and not let it control you!
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| Having fun with some sisters! |
Making Time for Yourself
Sometimes it's very easy to get so caught up in what you're doing, you forget to make time for the other things in your life. It's important not to neglect yourself because if you do, you'll likely get burnt out.
Performance in your role will probably be even better when you're able to exercise good time management including the time for yourself.
Ways that you can do this is to:
1. Delegate! Make sure you aren't the only one doing everything that needs to get done.
2. Let go! Others will learn through practice. Don't let them completely fail but remember that sometimes you're just a guide.
3. Make lists for people so they know exactly what you expect. Also make lists for yourself, with things that you would like to accomplish in the present and in the future.
Remember that being a leader shouldn't be the only thing you are. It should just make you a better version of yourself.
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| This is a photo taken before formal, which was definitely a fun night without responsibilities! |
Time Management
One of the hardest parts of being a leader is having good time management. The stress from being so active and responsible for the well being of an organization is sometimes much greater than the people who are regular members realize.
In college, we're all here for school before anything else and it's hard to remember to put assignments above the organization that can become such a huge part of your life. Both classes and other organization members expect your all and it's up to you to put balance in that.
To do this, I recommend completely forgetting about the word structure. Things happen and it's ok to let them happen. We're only here once so if you feel like spending a night at an event run by your organization rather than working on a paper that's due in less than two days, go for it. There is no way you can plan everything.
Just always have in your head that everything will get done somehow. And guess what? It will.
It's hard to get everything done, but when you're determined, you're bound to be successful. Above all just do your best.
In college, we're all here for school before anything else and it's hard to remember to put assignments above the organization that can become such a huge part of your life. Both classes and other organization members expect your all and it's up to you to put balance in that.
To do this, I recommend completely forgetting about the word structure. Things happen and it's ok to let them happen. We're only here once so if you feel like spending a night at an event run by your organization rather than working on a paper that's due in less than two days, go for it. There is no way you can plan everything.
Just always have in your head that everything will get done somehow. And guess what? It will.
It's hard to get everything done, but when you're determined, you're bound to be successful. Above all just do your best.
Attitudes
Everyone has emotions. Sometimes we let them get the best of ourselves, but as a leader you learn to control that part of yourself. You can't be the one to break down because you are the picture of strength and perseverance to the other people in your organization.
Attitude is another important aspect of a good leader. You must be encouraging without being easy, tough without being bossy, supportive without being overwhelming, helpful without taking to much on, and so on.
It's hard to find a balance and to always be the backbone of others but it's also extremely rewarding when done right. At the end of a stressful day when you feel like everything is going wrong, there's nothing better than to have the respect and support of the members in your organization. Stay strong and positive!
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| It's important to be happy! |
Advertising
Advertising and marketing your organization in a positive manner is very important because it gains positive attitudes towards it.
When you are trying to run things effectively without a good number of people to carry out all of the necessary jobs and tasks, it becomes very difficult and nearly impossible.
Membership is crucial to the health of a club or organization and advertising can help heal yours when it's hurting.
Here are some ways to advertise:
1. Online--create a website! Almost everyone goes online these days and uses sites to do a once over check on things. You could even create a blog. Social media pages like Facebook and Twitter are also extremely important to keep up to date and can let tons of people know about the same thing all at once.
2. Posters--hang them everywhere! Having a great logo or slogan that makes your organization more recognizable to all is really helpful. Have someone good at graphic design help you, but just remember sometimes the more simple rather than overwhelming ideas work just as well.
3. Hold an event! What better way to gain more advertising and membership than showing people what you're all about?
When you are trying to run things effectively without a good number of people to carry out all of the necessary jobs and tasks, it becomes very difficult and nearly impossible.
Membership is crucial to the health of a club or organization and advertising can help heal yours when it's hurting.
Here are some ways to advertise:
1. Online--create a website! Almost everyone goes online these days and uses sites to do a once over check on things. You could even create a blog. Social media pages like Facebook and Twitter are also extremely important to keep up to date and can let tons of people know about the same thing all at once.
2. Posters--hang them everywhere! Having a great logo or slogan that makes your organization more recognizable to all is really helpful. Have someone good at graphic design help you, but just remember sometimes the more simple rather than overwhelming ideas work just as well.
3. Hold an event! What better way to gain more advertising and membership than showing people what you're all about?
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| Here is a recent poster made by my sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha. |
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Communication Tips
Sometimes organizations have a hard time with communicating either with each other or with other organizations they may be reporting back to.
A key way to make sure each person is getting everything back to who they need to is simply by repeating things a lot and checking in. This may seem somewhat elementary, but it's still one of the best ways to get people focused.
Sending emails and communicating with the people in your organization is really important because it shows what good communication does look like.
Having an open and understanding attitude is also important, that way if people are confused they would feel comfortable asking for help. If you are intimidating or closed off, they might not come to you for guidance which is what good leaders are for!
A key way to make sure each person is getting everything back to who they need to is simply by repeating things a lot and checking in. This may seem somewhat elementary, but it's still one of the best ways to get people focused.
Sending emails and communicating with the people in your organization is really important because it shows what good communication does look like.
Having an open and understanding attitude is also important, that way if people are confused they would feel comfortable asking for help. If you are intimidating or closed off, they might not come to you for guidance which is what good leaders are for!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Programming/Event Planning
As a leader, there are a lot of events and programming that needs to be done.
Some people think that these things are stressful but if you're organized and able to delegate, then things should run smoothly.
Some tips to keeping things together are:
1. Plan ahead! No one likes to do things in a rush. It makes most events or programs less organized and less fun or productive.
2. Make sure all who should attend know about it! Don't be afraid to get some good PR going.
3. Add some fun! If the programming is on a slightly boring subject or is something necessary, make sure there is something that attendees can get out of it. Also, if it already is a fun event, add something new or different they haven't seen before!
4. Make sure you have all of the necessary materials ahead of time. This way, you'll know you have everything and won't be in a bind at the program or event.
5. Know your budget! No one likes to go over budget or stress over money!
Keep these things in mind next time you're thinking about planning something for your organization.
Some people think that these things are stressful but if you're organized and able to delegate, then things should run smoothly.
Some tips to keeping things together are:
1. Plan ahead! No one likes to do things in a rush. It makes most events or programs less organized and less fun or productive.
2. Make sure all who should attend know about it! Don't be afraid to get some good PR going.
3. Add some fun! If the programming is on a slightly boring subject or is something necessary, make sure there is something that attendees can get out of it. Also, if it already is a fun event, add something new or different they haven't seen before!
4. Make sure you have all of the necessary materials ahead of time. This way, you'll know you have everything and won't be in a bind at the program or event.
5. Know your budget! No one likes to go over budget or stress over money!
Keep these things in mind next time you're thinking about planning something for your organization.
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| A Greek week event that I helped plan. |
Running an Effective Meeting
When you are a leader of an organization, you will most likely be expected to run meetings at times.
In order for meetings to run effectively and efficiently, meetings should be conducted on a regular basis with a consistent time and place. Members should know the purpose of the meeting:
The basic purpose of meetings is:
-to exchange information
-to solve problems
-to make decisions
-to share concerns
-to explain issues
A successful meeting has a few key elements. Some of them are a time frame or an agenda, a defined purpose, and a definition of roles so that everyone knows what to expect.
In order for meetings to run effectively and efficiently, meetings should be conducted on a regular basis with a consistent time and place. Members should know the purpose of the meeting:
The basic purpose of meetings is:
-to exchange information
-to solve problems
-to make decisions
-to share concerns
-to explain issues
A successful meeting has a few key elements. Some of them are a time frame or an agenda, a defined purpose, and a definition of roles so that everyone knows what to expect.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Team Building
Sometimes it is better to have multiple perspectives than just one or two. A team should share values and should be able to trust each other.
Positive teams come from establishing interpersonal relationships, member satisfaction, and a strong group identity. In order for a team to be effective, it has to have a common goal.
Good team leaders should be able to recognize the skills and resources they need to carry out their goals and responsibilities. Being the best team leader you can be requires you to foster a positive environment where members will want to participate and feel comfortable.
You must also be able to delegate and give each member a role to play in the team. As the leader, you will need to devote time specifically to making sure everything gets done, but that it is not just by you.
Before you can have a great team, know and admit your strengths and weaknesses. Use the people and personalities in your group to complement one another. Team building activities are a good way to feel out your team.
Positive teams come from establishing interpersonal relationships, member satisfaction, and a strong group identity. In order for a team to be effective, it has to have a common goal.
Good team leaders should be able to recognize the skills and resources they need to carry out their goals and responsibilities. Being the best team leader you can be requires you to foster a positive environment where members will want to participate and feel comfortable.
You must also be able to delegate and give each member a role to play in the team. As the leader, you will need to devote time specifically to making sure everything gets done, but that it is not just by you.
Before you can have a great team, know and admit your strengths and weaknesses. Use the people and personalities in your group to complement one another. Team building activities are a good way to feel out your team.
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| The executive board I serve on for my sorority after some team building exercises! |
A List for an Effective Leader
Leadership isn't just an end result- it's a process that can be learned, practiced, and improved. This process is marked by the relationship between the group leader and his or her group. Success is achieved when a team or organization has a shared vision that all the members helped to create, plan, and complete.
I think an effective leader must do all of these things:
1. Be willing to take risks.
2. Be able to inspire and guide your group.
3. Be able to get others to want to participate.
4. Make sure all members are collaborating.
5. Be a role model.
6. Be encouraging and recognize accomplishments.
7. Be a listener, not just a speaker.
8. Focus on problems and tasks, not on personalities or personal biases.
9. Be fair at all times.
10. Do not dominate others.
It's not always easy to keep all of these things in mind, but with time and practice it does get easier!
I think an effective leader must do all of these things:
1. Be willing to take risks.
2. Be able to inspire and guide your group.
3. Be able to get others to want to participate.
4. Make sure all members are collaborating.
5. Be a role model.
6. Be encouraging and recognize accomplishments.
7. Be a listener, not just a speaker.
8. Focus on problems and tasks, not on personalities or personal biases.
9. Be fair at all times.
10. Do not dominate others.
It's not always easy to keep all of these things in mind, but with time and practice it does get easier!
Lists on Leadership
My blog has taken a different direction...I will now be forming lists all about different aspects of leadership. I have been involved in many different organizations over the years. Currently I am a member of PRSSA, Vice President of Membership for my sorority Zeta Tau Alpha, and President of the Panhellenic Council. I hope that these lists help you with your interests in leadership or give you an interest in stepping into a new role you hadn't considered before. If you are already an experienced leader, look for the lists that give tips to expand your skills.
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| Me with our ZTA traveling leadership consultant. |
Friday, January 28, 2011
Why Go Greek?
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| My Little sister in ZTA and I in Spring 2010. |
1. You meet people. I know that Susquehanna is a small school already, but simply rushing a sorority or fraternity provides the chance to gain countless friends and acquaintances.
2. You become a leader. I know there are tons of personalities out there and that some people are simply ready to lead confidently while others aren't, but Greek life offers so much growth in this area.
3. You become active in a philanthropy. All chapters have a cause that they specifically support. Doing service is fun in Greek life and never feels like a chore.
4. You gain irreplaceable friendship and memories. I know I can't even remember a quarter of the moments I've spent with my sisters laughing. I also know they would be there for me in a heartbeat and that I would always do the same.
5. You become more you. This may sound strange but I firmly believe going Greek is not something you become. It's about something you always have been. I have only become more successful and more myself through Greek life. I can't imagine my college experience without it and am grateful I joined an organization that I will be a part of forever.
Monday, January 24, 2011
First post!
This is a blog I primarily created for a class called New Media. I am a junior at Susquehanna University, majoring in Public Relations with a minor in Political Science.
That's about all I have for now, but I hope to create some lists you'll find enjoyable to read, interesting, and maybe even helpful too.
I chose to write my blog in the form of lists. Mostly me making lists of things I find enjoyable, humorous, or interesting. Ever since I can remember I have always used list-making as a way of keeping my thoughts organized, so I figured why not bring that into my blog.
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