FARMHOUSE QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK
(From recent Inside FH newsletters)

Elections

1. "What officer positions are most critically important to a chapters' success, and what qualities and characteristics should we be looking for in each of these key officer positions?"

2. "We're a few weeks away from our chapter elections. What kinds of traits and characteristics should we be looking for in our new chapter officers?"

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QUESTION OF THE WEEK? --- "What officer positions are most critically important to a chapters' success, and what qualities and characteristics should we be looking for in each of these key officer positions?"

* RESPONSE --- Each chapter is unique and has different keys to success, but here are the five officers that we see as the being the most important to the health, productivity and longevity of a chapter: President, Recruitment Chairman, Treasurer, Pledge Educator and Alumni Relations.

• President- he's the person who needs to have the vision to see where the organization is going, the character to lead his brothers along the way and the work ethic to accomplish that shared vision. The president is the person representing the chapter to the university, alumni and the general public. He needs to be an example of the Fraternity's values and be willing to sacrifice time, pleasure and comfort. Desired Characteristics: -Integrity "Your words and deeds match up. You are who you are, no matter where you are or who you are with."-John Maxwell

  - A Communicator
  - Good listener
  - Team player
  - Able to utilize other's strengths
  - Positive Attitude

• Recruitment Chairman- "Recruitment is the live blood of a chapter." What does that mean exactly? The number, the quality and the type of new members you bring into your chapter affect the organization for the next 4 years. The Recruitment Chairman needs to be someone who is not only friendly, outgoing and easy to talk to; he must also be able to plan, coordinate and organize recruitment events. His job is to provide the opportunity for potential new members to meet the active chapter and learn about FarmHouse and its values. While "Recruitment is everyone's job," the Recruitment Chairman must have a solid understanding of FarmHouse values along with the values of the potential new members because he will be the main contact for the chapter and will most likely be the one closing the deal. Desired Characteristics:

  - Friendly
  - Outgoing
  - Solid understanding of FarmHouse values
  - Hard working
  - Willing to call, e-mail and visit potential new members
  - Good listener

• Treasurer- All successful chapters have their finances in order because they run the organization like a business. A good chapter treasurer isn't always the most popular person by the end of his term, because he understands the importance of getting people to pay their bills on time and holds people accountable to their financial responsibilities. Desired Characteristics:

  - Organized
  - Responsible
  - Reliable
  - Well respected within chapter
  - Accounting, Finance or Business background or major is a bonus

• Pledge Educator- This is the person who will mold and shape the minds and attitudes of your new members. Think about which brother would make the best mentor for your new members. This needs to be a person who is very relationship oriented and always has the door open to talk about challenges, problems, concerns, etc. Desired Characteristics: -An example- "People do what people see."

  - Caring
  - Organized
  - Good listener
  - Creative
  - Self motivated
  - An education major would be bonus in this position

• Alumni Relations-This position is all too often over looked in our chapters and prevents them from becoming even more successful as a chapter. The majority of chapters have alumni in their area that would be willing to assist the chapter with the time, knowledge, ideas along with financial support, if they were only asked. Often this position becomes one that is near the end of offices elected and doesn't serve on exec board, association board, etc. In our opinion that's a big mistake. Some chapters have moved this up to a vice president position - and it would be worthwhile for chapters to look at seasoned sophomores, juniors and seniors for this job rather than a new initiate. Desired Characteristics:

  - Good communication skills (phone calls, e-mails, press releases, newsletters,etc.)
  - Solid working knowledge of chapter activities
  - Can work well with alumni members to plan association/alumni events
  - Creative

This is not an exhaustive list, but it might be helpful to consider these traits and share them with your chapter members as you begin your 2003 officer election process. --- JG

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QUESTION OF THE WEEK? --- "We're a few weeks away from our chapter elections. What kinds of traits and characteristics should we be looking for in our new chapter officers?"

RESPONSE --- For an organization that focuses on values-based leadership like FarmHouse, it's critical that your chapter officers have a firm grasp of what FarmHouse stands for and the ideals we were founded upon. As you seek out potential future leaders for your chapter refer back to The Object and our ritual as your guide. Below are a few important traits that we find valuable for each chapter leader to possess:

* someone who leads by example;
* has a positive attitude;
* is goal-oriented;
* is a good listener;
* willing to hold others and themselves accountable;
* and will keep focused on what's best for the organization.

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