The American Legion depends on strong leadership throughout its ranks – especially at the post and department levels, where commanders and chairmen are looked to for guidance. When commanders, chairmen and other Legionnaires in positions of leadership lack the ability to lead, the Legion struggles to achieve the goals on which it was founded.
If leadership needs to be developed at your post or district, read through this guide and apply its advice where necessary.
The first step: Identify problems and consider them challenges rather than insurmountable obstacles – ones that could spark positive growth through renewed activity in your post.
Where to start? Begin by evaluating the situation and ask questions. What is the challenge, and why is it needed? How are we going to do it, and who is going to do it? Obviously, the question of “who” is critical when dealing with volunteer workers.
What is leadership? Dictionaries usually define lead as “to direct or guide” or “to be ahead of.” The latter definition is often overlooked. A good leader must stay out front, anticipating obstacles. This is accomplished only through preparation. The Boy Scout motto – “be prepared” – states it best.
Beyond the dictionary definition, “leadership” can simply mean “inspiring and helping others to work toward a goal.” This can happen in several ways: 1) set an example for others to follow by what you say and do, 2) introduce new ideas to help solve problems, i.e., speak up and “think up,” 3) help settle differences and disagreements by encouraging a spirit of cooperation. When dealing with volunteers, the “dictator” approach should be reserved for dire emergencies only.
Why develop leadership? Leadership skills enable you to better carry out the duties and obligations of your position. Not every person is born a leader, but everyone can develop leadership skills and then benefit from using them. Leadership skills can help elected or appointed Legionnaires, or those who are simply assuming an informal position of responsibility. The ability to lead contributes to the achievement of group goals, focusing everyone’s energy on the task at hand. Leadership also spurs professional growth, with skills that can be applied to any line of work. Most importantly, leadership provides personal growth and the satisfaction of knowing one has made a difference.
How is leadership developed? Communication is key. Without it, people can’t work together. Communication is the art of getting a message across. It may be written, spoken non-verbal body language. If you don’t think the latter is powerful, just think back to the expressions that greeted the last unpopular suggestion at a post meeting.
Person-to-person communication 1. Develop your speaking skills. Speaking, whether to an individual or group, is a skill that improves with practice. Recording your speech and playing it back is a good technique. 2. Be timely. Present only information that is relevant. Also, be on time and stick to the schedule. 3. Practice good listening habits. Be courteous and pay attention. Take notes and ask questions if you do not understand. 4. Keep a positive attitude. Smile. Even if you disagree with what is being said, don’t let your emotions interfere with clear thinking. Summarize without injecting your opinions, too.
Written communication 1. Be brief. Stick to the subject at hand to avoid confusing your readers. 2. Be accurate. Check all the facts before putting anything on paper. 3. Keep it simple. Don’t use confusing technology or unnecessary complicated explanations.
Audio-visual aids 1. Utilize appropriate visual aids. Used properly, A/V material can help clarify your point and maintain your audience’s interest. However, too much might cloud the issue. Moderation is key. In addition, the following points form a guideline for development of other important leadership skills:
Become “team-minded” 1. Help develop team spirit. Encourage enthusiasm and a sense of belonging with friendliness, understanding, fairness and good will. Sincere enthusiasm is contagious. 2. Keep everyone working toward team goals. A team of individuals working together, sharing ideas and responsibilities, can accomplish much more than individuals working alone. Remind everyone of the group’s goals and provide encouragement. Strive to harmonize differences and involve everyone in the process of achieving the group’s objectives. 3. Know the people around you. Everyone has different abilities, wants, needs and purposes in life. To get along with others and to get results, you need to know what makes them tick.
4. Treat others as individuals. Put your knowledge and understanding of each group member to work. a) Be aware of their expectations. b) Be creative. c) Provide rewards to your workers and achievers. d) Delegate responsibilities. Don’t try to do it all yourself.
5. Accept responsibility for getting things done. Become actively involved by taking the initiative. a) Seek help and information as well as offering it. b) Most important, know when and how to say no.
6. Take time to analyze yourself. Learn to understand yourself and identify areas of improvement. Before you can interact with others, answer the following two questions: a) Who am I? A leader who helps solve problems, helps people get along, takes charge, or leads by example, or a combination of these different styles? How do others see me as a leader? b) What am I doing here? What are my goals, purposes, and expectations in working with this group or organization? What are the purposes of the group, as a whole? After analyzing your own strengths and weaknesses, it’s time to pursue improved personal leadership skills.
7. Make your own self-improvement plan. Devise a strategy for upgrading your skills. Write down and refer to it occasionally; this is also true of group goals and plans. If you don’t write them down, you might forget. Or, in the case of a group, a new leader or group will have no reference to aid in maintaining continuity. When this occurs, each new set of group members must start from scratch (sometimes referred to as “reinventing the wheel”). Some examples for areas of improvement might include: a) Communication skills. Take a speech class, observe others, practice new skills, etc. b) Understanding of groups and individuals. Get to know the people around you. c) Willingness to accept responsibility and new ideas. Make an effort to take on bigger, more creative challenges.
1. Watch and learn from other effective leaders wherever you find them.
2. Read about leadership techniques and practice them wherever you can.
3. Get involved by making your group’s goals and purposes your own.
4. Get the job done. That’s a the common characteristic of all leaders.
The time is now. The plan is real, and mere lip service will not suffice. If you care – really care – you’ll back your words with meaningful action. If not you, then who?
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