Eight leadership tips for club and district officers

Make the 2011-12 Rotary year the best ever by helping your club or district reach its goals. Consider these leadership tips, passed along by past club and district leaders.

1. Fill team positions as early as possible
2. Plan new projects early and with continuity in mind; support past projects that carry over into your year in leadership, even if the project isn’t within your area of interest
3. Network with your Rotary colleagues and mentors for expert advice at events like Presidents-elect Training Seminars and the International Assembly
4. Tap new club members as a sounding board for new ideas and experienced members for their institutional knowledge
5. Prepare three short speeches on general topics that can be adapted for any meeting in a pinch
6. Delegate tasks to your team -- you can't know or do everything yourself
7. Recognize volunteers by saying “thank you” -- people like to be appreciated
8. Remember that while planning is key, it is through action that Rotarians put Service Above Self 

Club leaders can consult Be a Vibrant Club: Your Club Leadership Plan and see which of the recommended best practices your club is already doing and which ones could be used to increase its vitality. Also, refer to the Planning Guide for Effective Rotary Clubs to modify goals or add new ones, and the manuals of the Club Officers’ Kit (225-EN) to help you carry out your role.

Governors-elect can refer to the District Governor’s Manual (DGM) (233-EN), mailed in July, to begin preparing for your upcoming year as district governor. Review the manual and use it at this year’s governors-elect training seminar (GETS). See GETS and Institute schedules.