Some Keys to Effectiveness

Relationships on the Leadership Team
The great challenge is to love one another as Christ has loved you. This will mean many things: honoring others above yourself; careful listening; asking for and extending forgiveness; valuing each other's diversity while preserving unity; practicing mutual accountability; etc. Such relationships will be powerful leaven in influencing the whole fellowship, especially in a multi-ethnic Exec or a multi-ethnic chapter.

Another challenge is to work effectively together. This calls for recognition and affirmation of each other's gifts, strengths, and personalities. Commit yourselves to work through conflicts in a healthy fashion. (See Small Group Leaders Handbook for guidelines). See Romans 12 and Ephesians 4.

Individuals vs. Team
An Exec is both a collection of individuals with specific positions and a leadership team. It is important for each person to fulfill his or her role effectively, collecting input from the others and reporting to the Exec. However, it is also important for the Exec as a team to own the chapter vision, integrate the chapter strategies, and shoulder together the burden of leadership. The President both assists individuals in their jobs and leads the Exec as a unified team.

Exec Meetings
A few suggestions...Set a regular meeting time and limit the meeting length. Make longer, open-ended meetings the exception rather than the rule. The President should set an agenda and ideally communicate it to members one to two days ahead of time. Each member should come prepared for his or her part of the agenda.

Don't neglect to pray. Sometimes start with extended prayer. Don't discuss matters that can be handled one-to-one. Instead, focus on the significant issues and plans (for example, the spiritual pulse of chapter, health of small groups, etc.). Think four to six weeks ahead. When plans have been hammered out, clearly identify the one person with overall responsibility. Yet, don't let business always crowd personal concern for one another.

Exec and Other Leaders
Lines of communication with second level leaders need to be strong. It's valuable for the entire Chapter Leadership Team to periodically meet together. This will foster a sense of common purpose, direction, and responsibility.

It is especially important to develop this sense of team with the Small Group Leaders. In most places, they are the backbone of the chapter, the ones with the most direct and sustained influence on members. They deserve close attention and support as well as a voice in chapter leadership. The Small Group Coordinator is a critical liaison between Small Group Leaders and the Exec.

IV Staff
Your staff worker is a godly, gifted individual dedicated to serving the chapter. He or she has strong abilities in leading, organizing, training, and discipling students. The staff person is your advisor and friend, a "spiritual coach". He or she is eager to help, but is committed to the principle of student leadership.

Develop a strong, positive relationship with your staff worker. Learn his or her particular strengths and interests, and utilize them. Regularly seek his or her advice. Strive for a genuine partnership in the work of Christ on your campus.