5 Great Ways to Become a Leader in Your Association

Are you missing opportunities to become a leader in your association? Remember, leadership comes in many forms.

1. Don’t think that treading a single path will get you to a leadership post. Don’t let a job description restrict you. Instead of defining what people do, job descriptions often define what they don’t do. If you’re the association “computer guy,” you’ll always be the computer guy unless you show you have other skills valuable to the group. Join the recruitment committee or the fundraising committee for a season or two. Showing your versatility could get you elected to the executive board, or, if you’re already on the board, appointed president.

2. Look for short-term chances to lead. Example: Meetings often get derailed by bickering over unimportant points. Get in the habit of being the one who always steps in to get them back on track.

3. Volunteer to mentor newer officials in the organization. In time, those people will spread the word about how you’ve helped them. As a result you’ll build a reputation as someone who knows how to help and influence others — two vital leadership traits.

4. Watch for the chance to tackle problems or even tasks that don’t usually fall within the scope of your duties. As you do, make sure you don’t anger or upset anyone. Tactfully question what’s not working. Where possible, challenge the status quo. Become known as someone who constantly seeks to improve things for the good of the association — not to feed your ego.

5. Respect established practices. That is a good way to win the respect of those who are already leaders in your association and — if necessary — to alter those practices. But win the respect of your peers first. Respect from higher-ups will follow.