You can't do your best job unless you know what it is. The challenges of the Presidency require full knowledge and understanding of the issues that face the organization plus an awareness of the business plan for the organization.
1. You are the President
By virtue of your position, a certain amount of respect for the office will exist. Respect for you, as an individual, in this position is earned. The 'spotlight' during your term will give you ample opportunity for exposure because of your position in the organization. It is your responsibility to share that spotlight with others on your team. It's not 'all about you' so ensure that others have an opportunity to get some platform time before the membership. This approach will solidify the concept of teamwork and demonstrate your conviction to the importance of team efforts. This will also strengthen the perception that you are in fact a leader.
2. Presides Over All Meetings
One of your primary functions is to chair Executive Committee, Board of Director and member meetings. Meetings should start on time and are not an opportunity to 'chat'. You run a business and the meeting should reflect that. All agenda items should be known and reviewed by you and your AE in advance. If research on any particular item is required, then make sure it is done so that voting members have the opportunity to make informed decisions based on their obligation of due diligence to the organization.
3. Sets the Pace and Tone
Every team has it's own style and the 'personality' is set by the team leader. Your every action will set the pace and tone for the year. Lead by example and others will enthusiastically feed off your energy and commitment. Your individual business activities and ethics in this arena will be the foundation of how the team, your administration and your Presidency will be perceived. Outline your personal goals for the year, know how they interface with the strategic plan or statement of policy of the organization and empower your team formulate the business plan.
4. Guides Team to Reach Group Goals
Every organization has some 'living will' document that is the framework for its existence. By-laws and charters outline the mechanics of the organization and strategic plans philosophically embody the spirit of the organization. All of that is necessary but volunteers also need a concrete plan that identifies what they think should be done within a certain amount of time, targeting who will do it, what the cost will be and how its success will be measured. The President, with the AE's guidance must make this happen or the organization and all of its committees will be meeting with no real goals or objectives to accomplish.
5. Delegates & Supervises
The President doesn't do any of the actual work. The objective is to Delegate the authority and to inspire others to complete the necessary tasks that bring the team closer to their goals and objectives. The key is to identify the right people to do the right job. Motivating and supporting them; then holding them accountable for the end result. Praise their accomplishments publicly, before their peers and then reserve the right to 'tap them on the shoulder at some point in the future when their specific talents would benefit the team effort.
6. Doesn't Micro Manage Committee Work
Supervising 'loosely'. No real leader ever micromanages the sincere efforts of others. The President may delegate another individual on the leadership team to oversee a committee's efforts, such as the President-elect or the Vice-President if there is one, but Presidents don't sit in or participate directly in any committee meeting. Micromanagement of the AE, the AE's staff, Committee Chairs or Vice-Chairs signals a lack of trust and undermines the entire team concept. Empower the committees to act within the business plan, policy statement and budget.
7. Interfaces Closely with the Association Executive
This synergy is necessary for success. The AE professional is trained to ensure that you have the information and the tools to always present yourself in the best possible light. The Association Executive is your safety net. This professional is your 'business partner' during your term and must always be kept in the loop. The President does not do anything without the prior knowledge and informed consent of the Association Executive. To do so would signal that you are not the leader that you pretend to be.
8. Chief Spokesperson of Organization
The President is always the spokesperson unless, along with the AE, that aspect is delegated to someone else when a more informed member or leader is available to address that topic. Should any member of the team receive media calls or requests to comment on behalf of the organization, the team member should inform the AE and the President of the request and if authorized, comment accordingly. Anyone commenting should be fully apprised of the organizations positions on public policy. Media training or spokesperson training is recommended before any person makes public comment on behalf of an organization since any error in judgment reflects on the organization and all of its members.
9. Interfaces with the Association Staff
Although the staff is there to support you and your team, they are not your personal staff. It is not within your purview to directly delegate anything to them. All activities are delegated through the Association Executive because that professional manages the activities of their staff. As the President, should you not be pleased with any staff issue, speak privately with the AE about your concerns.
10. Prepares the President-Elect
All endeavors of the organization should include the input and knowledge of the President-Elect since this is the individual that will lead the team for the next year. The President must ensure that the PE is prepared.
Without full knowledge of what has occurred, the PE cannot maintain seamless forward movement. A successful business model exists when there is cohesiveness in the triad of the President, PE and Association Executive.
11. Relies on Past Presidents for Advice
In addition to your AE and President-Elect, every organization has an excellent pool of advisors that are ready to offer support and advice. In times of crisis, this pool of talent can offer you help since they have also lived through difficult situations and survived the experience. The past presidents that can offer the most support are those that have risen to higher levels in the organization and have a more global perspective and comprehend the big picture.
12. Be Prepared to be Replaced
Your term is finite and it will not last forever. You are a placeholder for certain period of time and must train your replacement for the good of the organization.
Your other function is to seek out potential talent for other positions so that the organization can remain healthy and viable.
