Section I Responsibility to Self Click Once

Effective Alpha Sigs are also effective leaders, not necessarily, by virtue of a formal leadership position, but instead, by living the values of the Fraternity. As gentlemen and persons of character, they are able to positively influence others. While many experts have come up with various definitions for leadership, one that works well for Alpha Sigs will be shown shortly. In their book Credibility, authors James Kouzes and Barry Posner posit, very persuasively, that to be an effective leader, one must first be credible. And, becoming credible depends on a number of factors. Credibility begins with character that entails having the competence and the will to behave consistently with your values and beliefs. A credible leader learns to listen and listen well to the goals and aspirations of his Brothers. This requires the ability to integrate the myriad of diverse viewpoints within a chapter. This difficult process is much easier to do by returning to the common ground of shared values emanating from the Ritual. Effective Alpha Sigs “resolve conflicts on the basis of principles, not positions.” Leadership is the process of effectively influencing your Brothers and gaining their trust and commitment to achieve chapter goals by providing purpose, direction, and motivation. Credibility entails being trustworthy and consistently demonstrating that you have your Brothers best interests at heart Click Once ________________________________________ ___________________ _______ ___________________________________________ _____________________________ _______________________________________________________ _________ Click Once

In addition, people cannot be expected to do things they do not know how to do. Thus, the credible leader must also provide others the opportunities for learning new skills and getting each Brother to release the “leader within” him. Credible leaders also encourage the heart by lifting Brothers’ spirits and renewing a belief in the future. They set the example by living and behaving consistently with Fraternity values and keeping hope alive in everyone. Often a struggle develops when a leader attempts to meet the needs of individual Brothers while remaining true to their own beliefs. Needless to say, leaders can and do make mistakes. Thus, a leader must learn to occasionally surrender his ego and consistently strive for humility. He can do this by letting other Brothers take the credit for accomplishments, and by sincerely expressing his appreciation to those who have helped him. Credible Leaders: Encourage the heart Challenge the process Inspire a shared vision Enable others to act Model the way Click Once ______ ______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________ Click Once

In addition to credibility, leaders must possess and exhibit additional leadership practices and skills to be effective. One of these practices is the ability to motivate others. Another was challenging the process, which entails taking prudent risks and challenging the status quo that often breed mediocrity. Another important leadership practice is that of identifying and enrolling others in a common vision. This means bringing enthusiasm and motivation to the Brotherhood about the chapter’s future, both short and long term. As we described earlier, one of the best ways to achieve this is through active participation by all members and advisors in the goal setting process. A leader must have the courage to confront Brothers who are acting inconsistently with the Fraternity’s values and principles. Click Once _____________________________________ ___________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ ______________ Click Once

Enabling others to act and role-modeling are two other practices that are critical to the success and effectiveness of a leader within Alpha Sigma Phi and in life. The goal-setting process would accomplish very little if the Brotherhood did not feel empowered to play their individual roles in accomplishing the chapter’s objectives. Real leaders build teams with spirit and cohesion. Of course, unless the leader, actually models the behavior he is hoping the Brotherhood will emulate, success as a chapter is unlikely. He must also, then, have the courage to confront Brothers who are acting inconsistently with the Fraternity’s values and principles. ________________________________ _______________________________________ Click Once