1. SUCCESS INTO THE FUTURE:
BUILDING A LEADERSHIP LADDER
Presented by: Darrel J. Gardner
Ninth Circuit Vice President

2. “IT’S ALL ABOUT YOUR PEOPLE”

3. "The vision of an organization acts as its
magnetic north. It possesses the extraordinary ability to attract human energy. It invites and draws others to it by the force of its own appeal."
-Posner and Kouzes, The Leadership Challenge, at 118.

4. VISION FOR YOUR FBA CHAPTER
•Provide service to the profession and justice system
•Enable mutual access among judges and attorneys
•Improve professionalism and collegiality
•Offer focused and high-quality CLE
•Provide a newsletter that is substantive and valuable
•Honor and recognize exemplary judges and attorneys

5. FBA MISSION:
To strengthen the federal legal system and administration of justice by serving the interests and the needs of the federal practitioner, both public and private, the federal judiciary, and the public they serve.

6. IDENTIFY LEADERSHIP TARGETS:
• A strong board is the foundation for success
• Delegation and empowerment are keys
• Don't limit yourself to FBA members
• A "Presidential Selection" is a powerful motivator
• Work within your own bylaws
• Recognize the value of a leadership "ladder"

7. Identify your core groups of constituency and a good candidate from each group:
Bench/Bar * Clerk's Office * U.S. Attorney's Office
Corporate Firms * Criminal Defense Bar/FPD
Other Bar Associations * Lawyer Representatives
Law Schools * Young Lawyers * Law Clerks

8. • If you don't know good candidates, seek input and ask for suggestions from judges, former board members, senior leadership of law firms, law school professors, etc.
• Find at least one "Bright Star": a future chapter president who will join the FBA and the Board. Look for a range of age and experience. Seek people who are ambitious, energetic, dependable, and share the Vision. Find the volunteers and embrace them!

9. Candidates
• Mail or hand deliver the latest FBA brochures with a personal note.
• Call and be an advocate for the FBA: Share the Vision!
• Flattery doesn't hurt: "Judge Awesome recommended you as a fine lawyer and future leader in the FBA.”
• Be clear in what you are asking.
• Call continuing Board members to express gratitude, share the Vision, and obtain a clear re-commitment.

10. Simplify the duties for your candidates:
Five basic functions:
Join the FBA, if not already a member
Attend monthly board meetings
Take on one major responsibility or event
Attend FBA Chapter events and promote the organization
Submit one short newsletter piece during the year

11. ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING:
• A roster with full contact info
• Short written summary of the Vision
• List of roles and duties
• A "wish list” calendar, with tentative assignments for each event
• Assign the treasurer to prepare a draft budget in advance
(based on the calendar)

12. Consider some of the following when preparing the
calendar and budget:
• Monthly board meetings
• Annual Federal Practice Seminar
• Quarterly or monthly CLE luncheons
• Occasional CLE speech from elected or appointed officials
• Quarterly newsletter with submission deadlines and publication dates
• Annual recognition banquet
• Judicial Service Award
• Distinguished Attorney Award
• Appreciation to outgoing President
• Recognition of retiring Court personnel

13. Keep the Momentum Rolling for the Remaining 11 Months
Communicate Early and Often
Set up a group address for and use it
Always use an agenda, keep meetings focused, and end on time
Regular board meetings should not exceed 60 minutes
One key role of leadership is to prepare for meetings and have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish before the meeting begins.

14. Make sure regular meetings happen
Make sure regular meetings happen. Delegate to your president-elect if you can't attend.
Price your events so local FBA members can pay national dues at "no cost".
Obtain useful lists from the clerk's office
Attorneys with "active cases" in federal court
Use newsletters as a recruitment tool and as a service to the profession
Budget for distribution beyond membership.

15. Find a board member who can make a conference room and/or secretarial assistance available for board meetings, lunches, and other events.
Involve your Circuit Vice President
Invite him/her to attend board meetings and chapter events
Add to your group list
Ask for input and advice on a regular basis

16. BELIEVE IN YOUR ABILITY TO CULTIVATE LEADERSHIP SKILLS!
"The only quality that can be developed by studious reflection and practice is leadership.“
"The art of leadership is deciding what to do, and then getting others to want to do it.”
-General Eisenhower

17. Your Leadership Mantra:
• Share the Vision
• Listen and accept suggestions
• Delegate and empower
• Follow through
• Express appreciation
Success is inevitable if you follow this template. GUARANTEED!