Department of Oregon Leadership

1. Department of OregonLeadership Jim Willis Department Commander 6 July 2016 1

2. Leadership Skills - Introduction 1 Mission Statement 2 Remembering the Basics of Leadership 3 Effective Communications 4 Open Discussion Q & A Conclusion 2

3. Mission Statement The Oregon Legion College develops leaders and their skills to communicate effectively, manage volunteers and administrate programs of the The American Legion "You do not lead by hitting people over the head — that's assault, not leadership.“ Dwight D. Eisenhower 3

4. The American Legion LeaderRemembering the Basics and Major Points • Qualities (Principals and Traits) of a Leader • Art of Leadership • Becoming a Leader 4

5. Remembering the Basics and Major Points • Leadership ability determines a person’s level of effectiveness • The true measure of leadership is influence – nothing more, nothing less • Leadership develops daily, not in a day • Trust is the foundation of leadership • Anyone can steer the ship, but it takes leader to chart the course 5

6. Qualities (Principals) Proficiency Knows self; seeks improvement Timely decisions Uses people/teams For their strengths Develops sense of Responsibility Leader Title Accounts for others welfare Trains people together Takes responsibility Seeks Responsibility Ensures success Communicates Sets the example 6

7. Qualities (Traits: distinguishing characteristic or quality) • Five most important: Honest, Forward-Looking; Competent; Inspiring; Intelligent. • Ability to Delegate; Communication; • J.J. D.I.D. T.I.E. B.U.C.K.L.E • Justice, Judgment, Dependability, Integrity, Decisiveness, Tact, Initiative, Endurance, Bearing, Unselfishness, Courage, Knowledge, Loyalty, Enthusiasm. 7

8. The “Art of Leadership” • A leader is one who has followers. A leader deserves to have followers if he has earned recognition. Authority alone IS NEVER enough to command respect. • A leader does not say “Get Going!” Instead, he says “Let’s Go!” • A leader assumes that followers are working with him, not for him. He considers them partners in the work, and sees to it they share in the rewards. • A leader duplicates himself in others. He helps those under him to grow because he realizes that the more big people an organization has, the stronger it will be. • A leader does not hold people down, but lifts them up. • A leader has faith in people, believes in them, trusts them, and thus draws out the best in them! • A leader uses his heart as well as his head. After the facts have been seen, he lets his heart take a look too. • A leader is a self-starter. He creates plans and sets them in motion. 8

9. The “Art of Leadership” The future belongs to those who prepare for it; and developing tomorrow’s leaders – active members, chairmen and officers – it is our challenge. You can excel in “The Art of Leadership” 9

10. Law of Influence • The true measure of leadership is influence • If you abuse leadership, you lose trust – loss of trust reduces influence. • People will tolerate honest mistakes, but if you violate their trust you will find it difficult to ever regain their confidence. • If you don’t have influence, you will never be able to lead others. • Build trust, increase influence, creates greater leadership. “He who thinks he leads, but has no followers, is only taking a walk.” 10

11. Becoming a Leader • Set Goals • Take the Initiative • Be Cooperative • Show Empathy • Be of Service • Inspire Others • Encourage Active Participation • Show Appreciation • Build Self-Esteem • Be Enthusiastic • Communicate Effectively • Be Creative & Original • Demonstrate a Positive Attitude It is the capacity to develop and improve their skills that distinguishes leaders from followers. 11

12. 4 Phases of Improvement • I don’t know what I don’t know. • I know what I don’t know. • I know and I grow, and it starts to show. • I go simply because I know. 12

13. Leadership by Example? “It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes up short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat.” - President Theodore Roosevelt 13

14. Effective Communications Non Verbal Verbal Written 14

15. Developing Basic Communication Skills Remembering the 5 ‘W’ and the ‘H’ How ? Who ? Why ? What ? Where ? When ? 15

16. Developing Basic Writing Skills • Be sure your writing is clear and concise. Know the difference between concise and comprehensive. • Identify the main topic. Note key points and answer the readers questions. • Proper grammar, spelling and punctuation are critical to effective writing. Use the tools on your computer (spell check). Do not be afraid to use a dictionary. Do not use big words. Limit the use of technical terms, abbreviations and acronyms. 16

17. Letters E-Mails Memos Resolutions Blogs & Instant Messaging Reports Meeting Minutes Different types of Written Communications 17

18. Business Letter Basics • Understand the use of logos, fonts, letterhead and paper. • State the subject and purpose of the letter. One or two main topics. • Elaborate on the subject, then state conclusions, recommendations or decisions. • Conclude the letter with offering a closing action items or plan. • Do not belittle the reader. • Be positive, accurate and offer a solution to the problem. 18

19. E-mail Basics • Not to Do’s of E-mails • don’t use all lower case • DON’T USE ALL UPPER CASE • Don’t cc: everyone • Don’t vent, criticize • Do’s & Use of E-mails • Quick notice to members • Reminder of Events • Limit to the Audience • Be positive 19

20. Your Standard Delivery Research Presence Do’s & Don’ts Verbal Communication Tools Q & A Delivery Preparation 20

21. Always Be Prepared (to Speak) “Plans are nothing, planning is everything.” D. Eisenhower 21

22. Preparation • Why are you speaking? • To bring greetings • To chair the meeting • To address the issue as a stakeholder • To solicit donations or support • To answer questions with clear authority 22

23. Preparation • Who are you speaking to? • The American Legion • The American Legion Auxiliary • The American Legion Riders • The Detachment Executive Committee • The National Executive Committee • Other Non-profit Groups • Remember all are ‘Potential Members’ 23

24. RESEARCH • RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH! • What is the main subject • Know your reference material • Always be accurate • Facts • Figures • Quotes • History 24

25. The Do’s • Be Positive • Be Passionate • Be Enthusiastic • Be Clear • Be Concise 25

26. The Do Not's • Do Not look at the podium • Do Not fidget • Do Not keep repeating the same point • Do Not rant & rave • Do Not over animate • Do Not pace the stage • Be careful with the following words: • Like, Ah, ahh, um • Do Not lend opinions to their politics 26

27. Your Presence • Dress for success • Use your passion • Always be positive • Make eye contact • Use positive mannerisms • State your point and move on • Know where your hands are at all times • Find a “SPEAKING ROLE MODEL” • Duplication is the sincerest form of flattery! 27

28. Remember There is no wrong or right way… Be yourself, Be calm, and Be confident… 28

29. Also… • Personnel determine the potential • Relationships determine the morale • Structure determines the size • Vision determines the direction • Leadership determines the success • “you did this…”, “No – you, did this.” 29

30. Questions and Answers • Always know your subject • There are no dumb questions • Be clear • Be concise • If you do not know, say so • Your opinion may not always be the fact 30

31. Questions 31

32. Leadership 101 Questionnaire / Survey Here is your chance to rate this program. We need your comments and suggestions to improve this course. You can and do make a difference ! Please Circle your response 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Was the program objectives clearly stated ? Did the program accomplish its objectives ? Was the material presented in an orderly & concise manner ? Were you encouraged to make comments or ask questions ? Please rate the overall course. 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Yes or No Yes or No Yes or No Yes or No Excellent Average Poor 6. 7. Please suggest any improvements or changes to the program . ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ General comments or suggestions. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please turn survey in when leaving ! 32

33. Thank You! 36