Working as an executive board

A strong executive board is at the heart of every successful chapter.  An executive board with effective leadership and management skills will ensure continued growth for the chapter.  The actions of this team will create an environment that attracts the best men on campus and provides them with the ideal SigEp experience.  In short, this group will have a tremendous impact on the goals and results of the chapter.

Two of the executive board’s most important undertakings should take place early in the term: holding an officer transition retreat and setting goals. Making an investment in these areas will pay off throughout the year.

Weekly executive board meetings allow officers an opportunity to check in and discuss ongoing projects and progress toward chapter goals.  Meeting as an executive board on a day different from chapter meetings creates a second touch-point during the week to stay on top of goals and prepare for the next chapter meeting.  The president should set an agenda and run the meeting. 

Serving as an executive board officer for a SigEp chapter is one of the best leadership opportunities our undergraduates can get in college.  The practice of aligning a group of men behind common goals and executing on strategies to achieve them will benefit chapter leaders long after they graduate.  Executive board members will learn far more from their term in office than they could from reading a textbook.

Chapter leaders should be prepared to confront obstacles and difficult decisions during their tenure.  By grounding decisions in the values outlined in our Ritual, and holding high standards and expectations for all members, executive board members can ensure that they better the chapter during their term.   In order to uphold these ideals, members of the executive board must be role models for their brothers.  While there may be disagreement and debate among members of the executive board, building consensus around a consistent vision is critical.

Additionally, an executive board can only be effective if it has the faith and trust of the general membership.  In proposing changes and new ideas to chapter members, it is essential that the chapter officers develop buy-in from all members to ensure that new ideas are executed and not met with resistance.

Volunteers are a critical component to the success of the chapter and should be a resource for chapter officers.  Ideally, each member of the executive board has a mentor from the chapter’s Alumni and Volunteer Corporation as outlined below.  Volunteers can rely on their experience to offer guidance, but only if undergraduates are willing to ask and listen.