Contributed by Ishaan Signh | Downingtown West High School, PA
What it ultimately boils down to for a successful DECA chapter is leadership. Not one individual is dominating and making all the choices, but a group that works together and understands exactly what it will take to get done.
Having worked with numerous officers and served as a chapter leader, I have seen some clear "ingredients" necessary for leadership success. If your chapter wants to grow, compete and succeed, here are the ingredients you'll need to combine.
1. Good Communication
First and foremost, communication plays a major role. Leaders have to communicate ideas, listen to what members have to say and keep everyone up to date. This entails calling meetings regularly and not letting anyone fall behind. Members have to be kept informed if they will come and engage. Leaders who communicate build up members' trust and keep the team together.
2. Clearly Defined Roles and Responsibilities
Second, there must be defined roles for success. The president leads the group and sets goals, and the members and officers need to know what they're supposed to do. When the roles are fuzzy, things get lost and frustration piles up. Having defined responsibilities makes the team work more efficiently and keeps everything running effectively.
3. Encouragement and Motivation
The second ingredient is motivation. Great leaders inspire people by rewarding effort and encouraging members to contribute more than they do. This may be as straightforward as a mention at meetings or building enjoyable challenges. When people are motivated, they will want to stay involved and function at their best. Rewarding effort creates confidence and constructs a positive culture.
4. Team and Collaboration
Leadership does not necessarily equal a boss. It's about working with individuals and making sure everyone has a say. Great chapters have leaders who encourage collaboration, listen to others' ideas and solve problems as a team. It's a culture where everyone feels involved and valued.
5. Problem-Solving and Flexibility
Inevitably, things don't go as planned. Leaders who adapt and find innovative workarounds keep the chapter moving. Flexibility and openness to revision indicate maturity and enable the chapter to recover from setbacks.
6. Goal Setting and Planning
Effective chapters do not get sidetracked; they plan and outline how they will get it done. A guide map keeps every member on course in planning competition, fundraising or service events. Proactive leaders stave off the fear of scrambling and keep the group headed in the correct direction.
7. Leading by Example
Last, the most successful leaders don't dictate what others must do: they set the example. Members become the same if officers are dependable, respectful and hardworking. Establishing the standard by setting an example by leading generates respect and sets the tone for the whole chapter.
Leadership is developed gradually, and all the ingredients blend to create a good base. If your chapter focuses on good communications, role definition, motivating members, group dynamics, flexibility when faced with problems, planning and leading by example, it'll be on the road to success.
Remember that leadership is not a job title, it's an action and attitude. Great leaders inspire and enable others, offer opportunities and give everyone the chance to excel.
