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DISTRICT A-5

LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Following is the summary of several group discussions held during our Schools of Instruction this spring.  As part of the agenda for these Schools, a program developed by Lions International was used.  The program included a video tape titled 'A World of Leaders' and it focused on four areas:

1.What are the qualities of a good leader ?

2.What can you do as a Club member to motivate and inspire other members ?

3.What special problems or challenges is your Club facing ?

4.What new ideas would you like to see developed to make your Club more

         successful?

One section of the tape addressed each of these questions through the answers of Lions from around the World.  After each section was viewed by the School members,  they held a group discussion to answer the same questions.  The goal was to create as much group participation and input as possible and share their experience as Lion members.  This was clearly achieved and the feedback from the participants was highly positive.

I want to share the discussion results with all Lions in A-5 and I hope you will find them useful in whatever Leadership capacity you hold.  Remember, these thoughts were developed by Lions who have " been there; done that".

1.What are the qualities of a good leader ?

Leads by setting the example, establishes goals, is enthusiastic, is confident, shares a vision, doesn't "hog" the praise, is informative, trusts others, motivates, is a team player and builder, accepts change, is energetic, is unselfish, knows the job, is a good communicator, delegates and then coaches and counsels, treats people like he/she would like to be treated, is a positive role model, doesn't ask others to do something he/she would not do, able to select the right people for the job, able to accept constructive criticism, has tact, has a sense of humor, seeks help, encourages and promotes imaginative thinking, is a good listener and values opinions, is fun, is open minded, has passion and shows it, makes things happen, shares ideas, is a good organizer, is respected, SAYS THANKS, asks other to do things  doesn't tell them, creates a positive atmosphere, knows Club needs, is compassionate.

2.  What can you do as a Club member to motivate and inspire other Club members ?

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3.What special problems or challenges is your Club facing ?

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4.What new ideas would you like to see developed to make your Club more successful ?

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Lion Eric Fenton

A-5 Leadership Chair.

Have brief, interesting , structured (agenda) meetings

Clarify duties and responsibilities of members

Encourage and reward members ( say thanks)

Create a sense of belonging to a team, involve all members in some capacity

Create a positive Club atmosphere

Have a first class orientation program and make the sponsor a mentor

Try to fit members to the jobs / provide training for job / act as an assistant       before fully responsible

Fit Club membership qualifications to the member's work schedule, family or        other needs

Encourage new ideas and investigate their potential

Be supportive, provide encouragement, 'backbiting' doesn't work

Keep members informed

Spend the Clubs money, creates motivation to raise more

Follow up when members don't attend meetings, find the reason and correct it

Have 'social' events so Club members and the spouses / partners get to know each other

Encourage questions and input BUT don't make turtles by negative criticism of

suggestions, no idea is a bad idea, it may not be the right time to adopt it

Set goals for the Club as a group

Don't make Lionism a job  HAVE FUN

Provide development and learning opportunities for members

Find out individual member's talents and put them to use.

Need more women as members and younger members

Costs of membership

Lack of publicity from Cabinet level to promote whole District

More training, USE ZONE MEETINGS, want meetings with greater group

participation like this one, it provides an opportunity share ideas

Other organizations appear to be more prestigious

Partner with other organizations and Lions Clubs to do projects and provide

services required

Form Leo Clubs, teens are the future of our organization

Seek members in organizations we donate to  i.e. hockey programs  young

parents are involved

Ask non Lions to help with your projects they may decide to join

Make greater use of the high school community service requirement program

Try to manage the cost of belonging to Lions

Prevent personality conflicts or correct them quickly

Have a long term plan

Change Board members at each election  don't have members hold office on a

continuing bases for a lengthy period

Have a first rate , positive bulletin.

Improve publicity (District wide)

Revisit past successes

Partner with other Clubs for a mega project

'Do soft stuff', donate our time- volunteer at hospitals, knit mitts for kids, Xmas

dinner for seniors, run bingo for seniors, do special occasion visits at

hospitals,

etc.

Develop a higher profile at schools, peace poster contest  this is our future

membership

Develop 'specialty' teams to go where there is a need  rake lawns, put up storm

windows, do minor repairs

Provide a central bulletin board for community events

Do a needs survey in community, Lions International has a questionnaire

Recognize community members who help and support your Club organize a   'thank you' dinner  make them affiliate members

Provide opportunities for youth to serve in the community  high school

requirement

Don't let your Club get lazy, try something new and challenging

Change /revise perfect attendance requirements

Invite teens to your meetings and social events

Make Lions information available at your events and functions 

BLOW YOUR HORN.

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