TRAITS OF AN INSPIRATIONAL LEADER
August 1, 2022
We have all had those times when we were embarrassed because we flubbed up a speech, performance, or even a simple introduction. That instance does not disqualify us for being an inspiration to others. In fact, that flub just might have been an inspiration to someone who saw it happen. No one is perfect and it’s for that reason that we strive to be better in our lives.
As the upcoming leader of your State/Province/Nation, you will want to inspire your sisters to follow you in accomplishing your goals for your biennium. Let’s look at some traits that will be needed. I’m sure you already have many of these that you have developed as a teacher and as a leader in your Alpha Delta Kappa chapter and state.
What is an inspirational leader? The best definition I found in doing some research was the following:
“When you’re an inspirational leader, you’re able to tell people and explain to them what it is that you are doing and where you are going, and it makes them want to go with you,” Dr. Alyn Waller, pastor of Enon Tabernacle Church in Philadelphia, PA.
Let’s take a look at some of these traits:
A GOOD LISTENER:
Good leaders learn to really listen and not be thinking of what your response will be while the person is speaking. Then the response you give will let them know you actually listened to them, that you understand their concerns and that you care. Someone along your journey has encouraged you to “step up” because in watching and listening to you, they saw in you the potential of a good leader.
“A lot of people have gone further than they thought they could because someone else thought they could.” - Zig Ziglar
KNOWLEDGEABLE:
No, you do not have to know all aspects about everything. You do need a working knowledge of your state’s by-laws, the make up of your membership, expectations of being a S/P/N President, Alpha Delta Kappa International Guidelines, etc. to demonstrate your credibility.
Much of this will come during these two years as President-Elect. You will work closely with your S/P/N President, attend State Board meetings and, when possible, attend chapter meetings around your S/P/N.
You will read the KAPPAN and the E-Blasts that are sent through email, get familiar with CONNECT, and other publications that will come your way.
We all know someone who will know the answer if we don’t. It’s OK to say you don’t know the answer, but you’ll find out and get back to them.
“Just breathe. No matter what happens, you can handle it, and you will be okay.” - Lori Deschene
RESILIENT:
As teachers, we all learn to be flexible. When something would happen and cause our lesson plans to fly out the window, we learned to go with the flow and make the best of those times. The same is true in Alpha Delta Kappa. There will be times when those pot holes in the road have to be dodged in order to make things run smoothly. We use these experiences to grow and learn to support others on our journey.
“Just be yourself. Let people see the real, imperfect, flawed, quirky, weird, beautiful, magical person that you are.” - Mandy Hale
DEVELOPER OF TALENT:
Look for the talent in those around you, even those you may not even know today. You have members in your S/P/N that you have known for a long time and you will be meeting new sisters along the way. Many of these sisters have the talents you would like to have on your Executive and Extended Boards. You will use your time as President-Elect to learn more about these members. Toward the end of this biennium, you will be looking to build the team that will help you reach your goals and strengthen the membership during your term as S/P/N President and you will know who has the talent needed to do that specific job.
“Great things are never done by one person, they’re done by a team of people.” - Steve Jobs
A POSITIVE ATTITUDE:
People with a positive attitude believe in themselves. They work with calm and composed minds. Although negative thinking is important sometimes, a positive attitude will give you the power to keep cool under any circumstances. There is a direct correlation between a positive attitude and better relationships, health and success.
“A positive attitude gives you power over your circumstances instead of your circumstances having power over you.” - Joyce Meyer
As we take this journey together, you will pick up many good traits, ideas, and lessons along the way from one another and from those who have inspired you to begin this trek. Remember that leaders are not made overnight, but one step in the right direction each day will make you the S/P/N President you want to be.
With love and appreciation,
Kitty Nutting
SWR Presidents-Elect Mentor
IPIVP SWR
