Leadership
Leadership ability is not made of magic. Leadership skills are made up of observable, learnable practices. There are five basic practices common to most great leadership achievements:
Leadership ability is not made of magic. Leadership skills are made up of observable, learnable practices. There are five basic practices common to most great leadership achievements:
(1) leaders challenge the process,
(2) leaders inspire a shared vision,
(3) leaders enable others to act,
(4) leaders model the way, and
(5) leaders encourage with the heart.
Leaders Challenge the Process
Leaders think creatively and refuse to accept the status quo. Leaders learn from what has occurred in the past and look for new ways to approach situations. Just because something has always been done in a certain way does not necessarily make it the best way to do it now. Leaders recognize a void and search for a way to fill it. Leaders experiment, take risks, and learn from their mistakes. The best leaders recognize that people excel when they have a chance to put their own ideas into action. An effective leader embraces change and views challenges as an opportunity for growth.
Leaders Inspire a Shared Vision
Leaders have a clear mental picture of the future, and the desire to implement that vision. Leaders must have the ability to inspire others to help attain that vision. To move others to share their vision, leaders must appeal to a common purpose, communicate expressively, and sincerely believe in their vision.
In Phi Alpha Delta, every leader shares a vision guided by our declaration of purpose:
“The purpose of this Fraternity shall be to form a strong bond uniting students and teachers of the law with members of the Bench and Bar in a fraternal fellowship designed to advance the ideals of liberty and justice under law; to stimulate excellence in scholarship; to inspire the virtues of compassion and courage; to foster integrity and professional competence; to promote the welfare of its members; and to encourage their moral, intellectual, and cultural advancement; so that each member may enjoy a lifetime of honorable professional and public service."
Given our goals, leaders must be able to effectively communicate not only the broad purpose of Phi Alpha Delta, but their Chapter’s specific vision of how its greater goals will be accomplished as well. Because our leaders truly believe in these goals, they are able to communicate them with the passion necessary to effectuate Phi Alpha Delta’s larger vision and breed excitement for those ideas among Chapter members.
Leaders Enable Others to Act
Leaders, having inspired a shared vision, make their volunteers feel strong, capable, and committed. They emphasize the importance of teamwork. Leaders immediately get new members involved to make them feel like a vital part of the Chapter. They show their support by offering assistance and advice whenever possible. The best leaders delegate – they don’t abdicate.
Leaders know that their strongest tool is their index finger. They point it at someone and ask them to do "just one thing." Leaders go beyond the Chapter Officers and they get the Chapter members involved. Leaders realize that involving members from the start – giving them the tools and the power to act – will prevent apathy from developing.
Leaders Must Model the Way
Leaders practice what they preach! They set an example by behaving consistently with their values, aims, and vision. Leaders don’t expect others to make their ideas work – they know they have to pitch in and help in order to make things work. Leaders serve as a representative of the Chapter. Their attendance at events is noticed, and their absence is noticed even more. Leaders take the time to set an example.
Leaders Must Encourage the Heart
Leaders know that attaining any shared vision is difficult. They recognize that members may become exhausted, frustrated, or disenchanted. Leaders celebrate others’ accomplishments regularly to combat apathy. They recognize volunteers publicly – thanking those who worked together to make an event happen. Leaders encourage their members to take on greater roles and they help to cultivate future Chapter leaders. They know that cream always rises to the top!
Never Forget You Are Dealing With Volunteers
As a leader in Phi Alpha Delta, it is important to remember that you are dealing with volunteers. They have given you a commitment to do "a little work." Therefore, keep the "little work" motto in mind – give them small, definite, and manageable assignments. Don’t overload them and they’ll be willing to help out again in the future. Also, keep the following items in mind:
Thank and praise volunteers. When things go well, make sure to recognize the people who made it possible. Recognize volunteers in a public fashion – and make sure to include everyone who helped!
Admit your shortcomings. Everyone makes mistakes – leaders are no exception. So, if you make a mistake, own up to it. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions. As a leader, you can’t be helpful to the Chapter if you don’t have an accurate picture of what is going on. Finally, be willing to expect and accept criticism – as a leader you will not be able to please all of the people all of the time!
Realize you are working with colleagues. Always follow the chain of command within the Chapter. The other officers are your colleagues – don’t let personal feelings (friendships or disagreements) interfere with your working relationship. Recognize that people are going to make mistakes, but with teamwork and understanding, the Chapter can overcome them.
Develop the ability to say “No!” Being up front with people from the beginning, even if it is difficult, is for the best. Just be tactful and as nice as possible when delivering your response. As a leader, it’s very important to avoid promising what you cannot deliver.
Act in a timely fashion. Late action, in many instances, is worse than inaction.
One of the greatest benefits of Phi Alpha Delta membership is the opportunity to hone your leadership skills. These skills will open many doors for you throughout your career. Make the most of your time as a leader in your Law School Chapter by developing and expanding your leadership abilities.
Leaders Challenge the Process
Leaders think creatively and refuse to accept the status quo. Leaders learn from what has occurred in the past and look for new ways to approach situations. Just because something has always been done in a certain way does not necessarily make it the best way to do it now. Leaders recognize a void and search for a way to fill it. Leaders experiment, take risks, and learn from their mistakes. The best leaders recognize that people excel when they have a chance to put their own ideas into action. An effective leader embraces change and views challenges as an opportunity for growth.
Leaders Inspire a Shared Vision
Leaders have a clear mental picture of the future, and the desire to implement that vision. Leaders must have the ability to inspire others to help attain that vision. To move others to share their vision, leaders must appeal to a common purpose, communicate expressively, and sincerely believe in their vision.
In Phi Alpha Delta, every leader shares a vision guided by our declaration of purpose:
“The purpose of this Fraternity shall be to form a strong bond uniting students and teachers of the law with members of the Bench and Bar in a fraternal fellowship designed to advance the ideals of liberty and justice under law; to stimulate excellence in scholarship; to inspire the virtues of compassion and courage; to foster integrity and professional competence; to promote the welfare of its members; and to encourage their moral, intellectual, and cultural advancement; so that each member may enjoy a lifetime of honorable professional and public service."
Given our goals, leaders must be able to effectively communicate not only the broad purpose of Phi Alpha Delta, but their Chapter’s specific vision of how its greater goals will be accomplished as well. Because our leaders truly believe in these goals, they are able to communicate them with the passion necessary to effectuate Phi Alpha Delta’s larger vision and breed excitement for those ideas among Chapter members.
Leaders Enable Others to Act
Leaders, having inspired a shared vision, make their volunteers feel strong, capable, and committed. They emphasize the importance of teamwork. Leaders immediately get new members involved to make them feel like a vital part of the Chapter. They show their support by offering assistance and advice whenever possible. The best leaders delegate – they don’t abdicate.
Leaders know that their strongest tool is their index finger. They point it at someone and ask them to do "just one thing." Leaders go beyond the Chapter Officers and they get the Chapter members involved. Leaders realize that involving members from the start – giving them the tools and the power to act – will prevent apathy from developing.
Leaders Must Model the Way
Leaders practice what they preach! They set an example by behaving consistently with their values, aims, and vision. Leaders don’t expect others to make their ideas work – they know they have to pitch in and help in order to make things work. Leaders serve as a representative of the Chapter. Their attendance at events is noticed, and their absence is noticed even more. Leaders take the time to set an example.
Leaders Must Encourage the Heart
Leaders know that attaining any shared vision is difficult. They recognize that members may become exhausted, frustrated, or disenchanted. Leaders celebrate others’ accomplishments regularly to combat apathy. They recognize volunteers publicly – thanking those who worked together to make an event happen. Leaders encourage their members to take on greater roles and they help to cultivate future Chapter leaders. They know that cream always rises to the top!
Never Forget You Are Dealing With Volunteers
As a leader in Phi Alpha Delta, it is important to remember that you are dealing with volunteers. They have given you a commitment to do "a little work." Therefore, keep the "little work" motto in mind – give them small, definite, and manageable assignments. Don’t overload them and they’ll be willing to help out again in the future. Also, keep the following items in mind:
Thank and praise volunteers. When things go well, make sure to recognize the people who made it possible. Recognize volunteers in a public fashion – and make sure to include everyone who helped!
Admit your shortcomings. Everyone makes mistakes – leaders are no exception. So, if you make a mistake, own up to it. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions. As a leader, you can’t be helpful to the Chapter if you don’t have an accurate picture of what is going on. Finally, be willing to expect and accept criticism – as a leader you will not be able to please all of the people all of the time!
Realize you are working with colleagues. Always follow the chain of command within the Chapter. The other officers are your colleagues – don’t let personal feelings (friendships or disagreements) interfere with your working relationship. Recognize that people are going to make mistakes, but with teamwork and understanding, the Chapter can overcome them.
Develop the ability to say “No!” Being up front with people from the beginning, even if it is difficult, is for the best. Just be tactful and as nice as possible when delivering your response. As a leader, it’s very important to avoid promising what you cannot deliver.
Act in a timely fashion. Late action, in many instances, is worse than inaction.
One of the greatest benefits of Phi Alpha Delta membership is the opportunity to hone your leadership skills. These skills will open many doors for you throughout your career. Make the most of your time as a leader in your Law School Chapter by developing and expanding your leadership abilities.
