Leading Your Post to Success as the Post Commander Butch Sparks National Executive Committeeman butchsparks@comcast.net 281-433-2741 Fall Department Executive Committee Meeting September 24, 2016

OBJECTIVES DEFINITION OF LEADERSHIP AS IT APPLIES TO THE LEGION BASIC LEADERSHIP QUALITIES SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE NEEDED TO BE A POST COMMANDER POST COMMANDER DUTIES A SUGGESTED LEADERSHIP ACTION PLAN FOR POST COMMANDERS FORMULA FOR YOUR POST TO SUCCEED NOW & IN THE FUTURE

WHAT IS LEADERSHIP? AS IT APPLIES TO THE LEGION Leadership is a process by which a person influences others to accomplish an objective and directs the organization in a way that makes it more cohesive and coherent. In the Legion, leadership can be best defined as “The ability of the officers and chairs to make good decisions, influence, encourage and mentor other members to carry out their duties in a timely, proper, manner to achieve the goals of The American Legion at all levels of the organization.”

BASIC LEADERSHIP QUALITIES INSPIRE ACTION MENTORING OTHERS BEING OPTIMISTIC HAVE INTEGRITY SUPPORT & FACILITATE THE TEAM HAVE CONFIDENCE COMMUNICATE BE DECISIVE

INSPIRE ACTION Inspire team members to see the positive results of their actions in meeting the organization’s goals.  Acknowledge each person’s work and dedication that is vital for the team’s efforts. Commend the team on each of their efforts. Keep spirits up and that begins with the leader showing an appreciation of others hard work.

MENTORING OTHERS Mentoring is the critical component in transferring knowledge between knowledgeable individuals and individuals desiring to learn. Sharing information is critical for success of any organization. Produces informed and educated leaders for today and tomorrow. Allows retention of organizational goals, structure and knowledge. Provides guidance and direction to other organization members to assure the future growth of the organization.

BEING OPTIMISTIC Leaders believing in the purpose of the organizational goals. Leaders believing in the team members. Most importantly keeping a “Positive Outlook”.

HAVE INTEGRITY Willingness to say what they do and do what they say. Be upright, honest and an example for others to follow. Bottom line “Walk your Talk”.

SUPPORT AND FACILITATE THE TEAM Lead by example Get the team necessary help when needed. Encourage them even when things seem unattainable. Encourage the team members to inform him/her of what he/she needs to know, not what he/she wants to hear. If something good or great happens give the team credit. If something negative occurs a good leader will say it is on him/her.

HAVE CONFIDENCE Must believe in himself/herself. Are positive about their ability to lead people and deal with daily challenges. They set goals and are motivated to accomplish them. They believe that the work they do is important.

COMMUNICATE As a leader, one must listen...a lot! Willing to work to understand the needs and desires of team members A good leader asks many questions, considers all options, and leads their team in the right direction. They welcome feedback from others and put their ideas into action.

BE DECISIVE Gathers all the facts and information on a topic. Honestly consider all the alternatives. Don’t dominate the process, allow team input. Make a clear yes/no decision and fully explain it. Stays engaged in the execution of the decision. Looks for feedback and follows until complete implementation.

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE NEEDED TO BE A POST COMMMANDER Must be knowledgeable in the various aspects of The American Legion, to include policies, and procedures. Must understand protocol, programs, and the benefits of Legion membership, which is the “product” that we are selling to prospective members. Must have sufficient experience within the organization by having successfully worked on different committees, programs, and Post activities.

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE NEEDED TO BE A POST COMMMANDER (cont’d) Must have and be taking advantage of the multitude of workshops and training sessions that are available. Must have a good understanding of the Department of Texas objectives. Must always present a good image for the organization. Must lead by example.

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE NEEDED TO BE A POST COMMMANDER(cont’d) Must have an understanding of where to get answers to questions and solutions to problems: by utilizing their personal experience in such matters by utilizing the multitude of written references readily available at every level of the Legion. by accessing the expertise of other Legionnaires throughout the Department.

POST COMMANDER’S DUTIES Power limited by constitution & by-laws Presides at all post meetings Controls meeting agendas General supervision of post officers & committees

POST COMMANDER (cont’d) Appoint committees Sees that post constitution & by-laws are observed. Performs other duties as directed by the post. Coordinates programs with auxiliary, sons, & riders. Communicates with community leaders.

A SUGGESTED LEADERSHIP ACTION PLAN FOR POST COMMANDERS Now that you have the tools it is time for action. Get with your team and put together a written action plan for your post. Give each of your officers assignments and hold them responsible. Set goals and timelines for your post. Communicate and coordinate your action plan to all members of your post. Get every member actively involved. Ensure that Post/District/Division/ Department goals are documented and tracked.

A SUGGESTED LEADERSHIP ACTION PLAN FOR POST COMMANDERS(cont’d) Communicate with your peers and share ideas. Ask for feedback from the membership. Establish and publish a mentor list. Mentor other potential leaders in your post. Push attendance at training venues, District, Division & Department meetings. Be proactive, be visible, be available, and be out front Always believe THAT WE WILL SUCCEED

FORMULA FOR SUCCESS Excellent leadership qualities Combined with a sound knowledge base of The American Legion Plus a thorough understanding of post commander’s duties & responsibilities Plus a desire to do well Plus a good team of knowledgeable officers and chair persons Will, in most cases, equate to a successful post now and in the future

REVIEW OF SESSION OBJECTIVES DEFINITION OF LEADERSHIP AS IT APPLIES TO THE AMERICAN LEGION BASIC LEADERSHIP QUALITIES SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE NEEDED TO BE A POST COMMANDER POST COMMANDER DUTIES A SUGGESTED LEADERSHIP ACTION PLAN FOR POST COMMANDERS FORMULA FOR YOUR POST TO SUCCEED NOW & IN THE FUTURE

“Remember the difference between a successful organization and one that is not can usually be attributed to leadership”.

QUESTIONS?