Start your term off strong
Your first 60 days as an officer are crucial. Your approach to this time period determines your success as an officer. At a recent regional workshop in Birmingham, Ala., we asked chapter officers and volunteers from seven different chapters for their suggestions on how to make your first 60 days in office a success.Evaluate the chapter’s progress over the last year
“Your first step as a new officer should be to assess last year’s performance in all areas of chapter operations. This in-depth evaluation helps you highlight successes and mistakes ultimately showing you where you should spend your time and what improvements need to be made.” – Chapter President Chase Hacker, Mississippi State ’13
Set tangible SMART Goals
“Great leaders put thought into what they want to see done over the next year. Make sure you follow the guidelines of SMART goals to produce a comprehensive benchmark to strive for.” – Chapter President Alex Golding, Mississippi ’14
Develop a strategy for each SMART Goal
"A goal is nothing without a strategy to complete it. Sit down and write out tangible ways to achieve your goal. These should be action items and tactics needed to make your goal a reality. This is the most important part of the goal-setting process.” – Chapter President Ryan Curia, Georgia ‘15
Present your SMART goals and strategies to the entire chapter
"Presenting your vision to the chapter accomplishes several things. First, it creates buy-in around your plan. Second, it sets the expectation that you need their help. Third, it allows them to hold you accountable for completion.” – Vice President of Recruitment Zach Winterberg, Florida State ‘14
Review your SMART goals on a weekly basis
"Spend the last 20 minutes of every executive board meeting reviewing your goals. Once the school year gets hectic it is easy to forget what you set out to do. A weekly review keeps you focused on accomplishing your vision for the chapter.” – Chapter President Wes Quarles, Tennessee ‘14
Utilize the resources around you
“Don’t make the mistake of thinking you can do it all by yourself. Familiarize yourself with the numerous documents and helpful guides on sigep.org. Call your regional director for advice or troubleshooting problems. They do their job to help make your chapter better. Ask your volunteers for help. They have many years of experience and valuable perspective to help you be successful.” – Chapter President Davis Orr, Alabama ‘14
Don’t forget about the outgoing officers
“Outgoing officers have valuable experience and perspective. Ask them to give you feedback on your goals and plans for the year. Have them share their lessons learned and mistakes. Find ways to engage them in your efforts to improve the chapter.” – AVC President Chris Hester, Louisiana State ‘05
Find ways to engage rising leaders
“It is never to early to find your successor. Find younger brothers who are passionate about your position and empower them to help you. Allow them to take on tasks and initiatives that will help you reach your goals. If you aren’t preparing for the future, you aren’t upholding your oath as a chapter officer.” – Chapter President Josh Williams, Southern Mississippi ‘13
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