The school year is over. Bags are unpacked from ICDC. So... now what? DECA doesn’t have to stop just because school is out. As a leader, take advantage of the summer months to prepare your chapter best to Go The Extra in the fall with three key tips: recharge, reassess and restore. Summer is the perfect time to refocus and elevate your chapter’s success. Here’s how to make the most of it.
Recharge
With the 2024-2025 school year ending, you deserve a break. Give yourself time to settle down and recharge. Find an activity that helps you relax. Pick up the book you’ve wanted to read. Go out with friends and play some pickleball. Whatever helps you relax, make sure to prioritize that. After all, you can't use a computer with a drained battery. The same goes for leaders: you can’t successfully lead when you're drained.
Reassess
As a chapter leader, taking a step back and reflecting on the past year is critical. Consider what went well and where you can improve. Strong leaders reflect on wins and lessons learned, using the past year to fuel strategic growth. Look at the data of your chapter’s success. If your chapter’s membership retention was down, set a goal to retain 85% of current members. Find ways that you can improve moving forward. For example, create a 20-second Instagram Reel showcasing testimonials, team bonding and highlights from ICDC.
Restore
Now that goals are in place, it’s time to take action. Find small ways you can achieve your goals. Aim for manageable, small weekly tasks. It’s important to remember the end; remember the goal and how it will positively impact your chapter. To stay organized, track your progress on a spreadsheet shared with other leaders in your chapter. Collaboration and commitment from the whole team are critical for success.
Summer doesn’t have to be a break from leadership; it’s a breeding ground for success. By recharging your energy, reassessing your past year and renovating your toolbox, you’ll be ready to Go The Extra this school year.
