Leadership skills aren't just for those in charge.
Dear Pi,
Officer elections are coming up next month. I've never held a leadership position before and I worry about taking on something and then messing up. What is your advice?
Loyally,
Addie Pie
Dear Addie,
As you heard during recruitment, sorority membership gives you opportunities to develop leadership skills. Some people take to leadership with ease and others need to put a bit of work into developing the skills. Considering an office with some thought is a sign of your good judgement. Of course, I do understand that stepping into the unknown is scary but it can lead to such growth! One thing you may do to make it all less intimidating is to consider that taking an office is a way of providing service to the sorority. In exchange for this service, you gain experience in skills which you may use throughout your life. It's a fairly safe place in which to develop, try out, and refine skills.
I'll be honest. Being an officer in the house is work, but it is very rewarding. Do a bit of self reflection. How do you handle your classes and studying. Do you work hard and get rewarding grades? Well then, you will more than likely perform similarly with an officer position. Do you mess up in your studies and have no follow through? Perhaps you are cut out take on the different roll in the sisterhood. However, I find that most people rise to the occasion and sometimes we surprise ourselves. The more people have to do the more they often accomplish. We all mess up from time to time and messing up a bit is not the worst thing in the world. It's important to own your mistakes. Do not put it off on someone else. Make no excuses. Do make a plan of how to fix things. If you find yourself repeatedly apologizing for the same sort of thing, change strategies. It demonstrates a splendid strength of character!
I hope you take advantage of the Officer Fair at your chapter to learn about what is required with each office. Develop a plan that makes use of what comes naturally to you and helps develop new abilities. If you are a business or engineering major with mathematical prowess, consider something which allows you to work with chapter finances. It's okay to start humbly and work toward positions of increasing responsibilities. I have confidence that you will rise to this challenge. Follow your heart and your gut. I'm rooting for you!
Loyally,
Pi
Turning self-consciousness into self-confidence
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