Developing Brothers as Leaders by Deb Eakins Northeast District Governor Kappa Kappa Psi
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ohn F. Kennedy was correct when he said that in each of us there is a dream which, when fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and even greater strength for our nation. I believe the same is true for Kappa Kappa Psi. By developing our members as leaders we can help Kappa Kappa Psi to become the standard for excellence in band fraternal organizations in the world. The men and women in our collegiate band programs who are selected to serve as brothers in Kappa Kappa Psi have a unique opportunity not afforded to them by any other band organization. Giving each brother a meaningful experience through serving the bands, and acting as committee members, chairs, and other officers is paramount to fulfilling the purposes of Kappa Kappa Psi. Every brother has a responsibility to move his/her chapter to a higher level of service by attaining a higher standard of individual service. One brother’s strengths may be untapped if he or she does not have the opportunity to demonstrate the leadership potential which is developed through serving the bands and the institution of which they are a part. We often see chapters with leaders who take on all of the responsibility and delegate little, doing everything themselves. Yes, the work gets done, but that is not the best way to stimulate campus leadership through the medium of the college band and promulgate an uncompromising respect for gracious conduct, good taste, and unswerving loyalty. All brothers should be supported in the tasks that they take on and should be encouraged to feel that their contribution makes a difference regardless of the size of the task. By preparing our brothers to take over other positions and duties we are strengthening the individual, the chapter, and the brotherhood. The following “Ten Tips For Effective Leadership” from Leadership and the One Minute Manager by K. Blanchard are as relevant to the Fraternity as they are in business and government: 1. Lead by the Golden Rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Treat all people with respect.
14—The PODIUM, Spring 2001
2. Avoid the tendency of partiality. Do not play favorites. Do not forget about or ignore the people whose styles and backgrounds differ from yours/ours. 3. Follow your own rules. Do not make a rule you will not keep. Admit when you make a mistake. 4. Lead by example. Do as you would have others do. 5. Keep your group informed. An ignorant group is a suspicious group. Provide everyone with feedback and create a system of two-way communication. 6. You are the leader; act like it. Remember your commitment as a leader. Do not forget that people will look to you as an example of how to act, behave, and operate. 7. Ask others for their help. Sometimes a few heads are better than one. Involve other people in the organization’s work and problem solving becomes easier. 8. Keep criticism constructive. Remember the last time you made a mistake? Were you given constructive criticism or openly chastised for that mistake? Remember that compassion, understanding and respect allow people to grow and develop. 9. Always tell the truth and keep your word. Your members are counting on you to be honest with them. Aren’t you expecting the same from them? 10.Prepare someone to take your place. You will not be around forever. Start building tomorrow’s organization today. With more people developing leadership abilities, the group progresses faster. Utilizing these tips on a daily basis will help each brother develop into a strong leader in Kappa Kappa Psi, and upon graduation these lessons will be valuable tools in his or her chosen field or career. President Kennedy’s words remind us that everyone has unlimited potential for greatness, and that individual successes, magnified and multiplied, create a greater society. Kappa Kappa Psi is poised for greatness because of many attributes, but utmost among these is the high quality of its brothers, membership candidates, and sponsors, their hard work and dedicated service, and the creation of an atmosphere in which each brother’s potential can be fulfilled. Take the time today not only to develop your own leadership skills and style, but also to help your brothers and membership candidates develop theirs as well. The future success of Kappa Kappa Psi depends on your preparing our younger brothers to carry forward its ideals and purposes so that our children and grandchildren will have the opportunity to Strive for the Highest.
