Approaching this project I was a little worried on how exactly I would measure the development of my leadership skills and quality. Looking back however, I definitely can say that I learned a lot in the area of handling interpersonal relationships. Managing twenty other positions can be quite the task and that's not taking into account managing the personalities of each person holding those positions. One of the more important things I walked away with was understanding that each individual responds to different authoritative styles. Some respond well to a hands free approach where they can operate autonomously within their position while others were more likely to actually complete their work if they had direct oversight.
It was incredibly interesting to see what motivation techniques worked with each individual as well. Some of them I could give the old "I'm not mad, just disappointed" which then improved their activity and others I had to confront in a one on one setting outlining the points and specific instances in which they failed to uphold the duties of their position. The biggest lesson I learned in the broad scope is that remaining firm in your own principles and leading by example will go a long way in encouraging those you lead to live up to similar standards. Also by giving respect and praise to those who earn/deserve it will make them more likely to reciprocate a similar amount of respect in the long run. You build a sort of emotional bank account with those around you and the more you do for them, the more willing they will be to help you out when you need something done.
Outcome 1:
By completing my initiation planning goal, I was able to ensure that 12 new members could join our brotherhood. The benefit of this outcome is that they will be able to continue the legacy of Sigma Chi and grow as leaders themselves.
Outcome 2:
By completing my initiation execution goal, I was able to successfully initiate the potential new members without interruption. The benefit of this outcome is that the alumni in attendance and their report impressed the alumni base that supports our chapter.
Lessons learned - The greatest benefit that I found within this project was my ability to become closer with each member of the fraternity. I honestly didn’t notice it at first or even while I was working but looking back on the whole project I established closer relationships with the brothers in positions as well as the ones who did not hold anything. I found also that I function a lot better in a hands on environment as far as planning and execution goes. I placed my trust heavily in the brothers holding positions with the hopes that me giving them autonomy would make them feel more respected. I quickly realized that this method doesn’t always work as a blanket system and instead approaching each individual in a way that works best for them is ideal. Some responded well to being left to their own devices and did quite well while others needed continual reminders and check ups.
I hope that in my time as Vice President I was able to instill a sense of pride of the organization in others as well as a strong work ethic. I generally approach things in the way that if there is a task to be done, someone has to do it, so why not me? This mindset helped me get into the position but self-motivation only goes so far in motivating others which I realized. I had to adapt my style of leadership multiple times over the course of this project and I wouldn’t say that any single method worked better than another; Instead each approach worked appropriately for the task or situation at hand.
Future plans - For any future projects that I may take on I will definitely be creating some type of outline or plan to assist in the completion. I have a bad habit of procrastinating that I have struggled with since middle school and I have to actively work at correcting that behavior. What I didn’t realize going into this project and specifically the role of Proconsul is the mental strain that it was going to place upon me. I found myself many times throughout my term ready to toss in the towel but my pride wouldn’t allow me to. I couldn’t walk away from these guys no matter how much they drove me insane cause I want them to be the best they could be. I think this project has profoundly impacted the way that I will approach any project or even interpersonal interactions in the future. I learned many valuable tasks centered around respect and trust that have helped shape the person that I am.