Preparing Commanders for Success Every year at this time new Commanders step into leadership at the chapter level. They are responsible for budgets, members, events and risk management at a level greater than many small businesses. Yet the recent trend for Commanders has been younger members taking on this role, many times as sophomores without much longevity in the chapter. While it is commendable to have younger men stepping up to accept this responsibility, it necessitates increased training to prepare these younger leaders for a successful term. The Sigma Nu Institute--a training program for Commanders that was piloted this month--was developed to address this challenge. The first Institute was held January 5-8, 2005, at Sigma Nu Headquarters, and 24 Commanders from chapters across the nation were selected to attend. These men were handpicked to participate in three days of intense training created

John Stevens, Valdosta State University, attended the Sigma Nu Institute

around the LEAD curriculum. The Commanders met in both large and small groups where they were challenged to be honest about where their chapter would rank in a variety of situations and discussed potential solutions to ensure the highest quality standards for their chapter. Specific topics included:

-Leadership: In small groups they discussed what it looks like to be an effective leader by defining the terms "lead", "leader" and "leadership." Using those definitions, they learned about goal-setting for their officers/executive board and methods of motivation to achieve those goals. -Accountability: Commanders were challenged to pass on the importance of accountability throughout the chapter so that chapter members would understand how their actions affect other brothers. This includes a paradigm shift in accountability so that each brother takes a proactive role as opposed to being reactive. -Crisis Management: They learned methods of prevention and planning for crisis situations. Instructions were given on how to handle potential situations including the chain of command, who should be contacted, how to handle the press and how to share this information with chapter members. -Strategic Planning: They discussed the importance of setting a realistic vision for the chapter as well as how to involve the officers and the members in goal setting. Criteria for good mission statements were laid out, and each Commander conducted a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis for his chapter. -Balance and Motivation: Because the weight that accompanies the role of Commander often leads to stress and unbalanced lives, stress management and stress reduction tips were shared. -Delegation: Suggestions were proposed to help Commanders effectively delegate responsibility to both officers and members as a means to help avoid their own burnout. -Organizational Structure: The structure of the Fraternity was explained in detail allowing Commanders the opportunity to discuss and apply that structure to their individual chapters.

The primary focus for the weekend was not only the opportunity to learn and understand the depth of the Commander role but also to show them they are not alone. There are numerous resources available including the headquarters staff, chapter advisors and the 23 other men who attended with them.

Following the Institute, all 24 Commanders gave immediate feedback about the weekend, all of which was extremely positive. Brad Hastings (West Georgia), Director of Fraternal Operations, reported that many men expressed their gratitude, saying they could not imagine taking on their position without this type of preparation. One Commander stated, "All the questions I had when I was elected Commander were answered this weekend."

Hastings also explained that assessing the Institute's effectiveness will not end at the conclusion of the weekend. Commanders who attended will be asked for additional feedback three months following the training and again in six months. The goal is to assess, over time, the effectiveness of the training and determine what could have been done differently and how to better prepare leaders at future Institutes.

Based on the outcome of the follow-up assessments, the Fraternity ultimately hopes to provide the same extensive training to every newly elected Commander at the start of his term. The projected cost for each participant will be $900. John Stevens, Commander at Valdosta State University, expressed his opinion that all Commanders should have this opportunity. "I don't see how any chapter could function properly without this training. It was truly inspiring. I built a strong network and learned so much that will help us succeed as a chapter."

For more information or to provide a scholarship for your chapter's Commander to attend next year, please contact James Owens at 540-463-1869.