Lessons Learned From a Decade of Brotherhood and Mentoring Jason J. Swackhamer Chartering President, Current Faculty Advisor and Chapter Director Matt Wingblad Past Alumni Comptroller, Current V.P. of SPAAS

Started at SVSU in 1991 Was involved, but wasn’t a leader Drifted through, just getting by Hit rock bottom in third year, and then… Was given a gift to be an orientation leader and everything changed A Little About Swack

Gained confidence, learned leadership, found my passion Led to changing major after fourth year It was then, when a campus rival approached me about starting a fraternity Sounded fun…but we had no idea A Little About Swack

We were clueless and nationals were not much help Mistakes were made…we adapted More mistakes were made…we learned Despite it all, we chartered and have enjoyed some success both locally and nationally A Little About Swack

I have been an alumni advisor and have seen the good, the bad and the ugly and want to share some of the lessons I have learned and hope to provide strategies to help navigate the challenges of leading an organization. A Decade+ Later

Started at SVSU in ?? A Little About Wingblad

Balancing the highs and lows –Common themes of highs and lows Grooming future leaders Reputation management Importance of communication Securing the future through recruitment Today We’ll Talk About

All organizations go through periods of extreme highs and lows –Some years are better than others –Every school year has its own cycle You can survive these cycles through recognition and preparation Lesson 1; Life is Cyclical

Brief synopsis of the “first generation” In the Beginning….

Brief synopsis of the “second generation” As we matured….

The highs – generational common themes Lesson 1; Life is Cyclical

The lows – generational common themes Lesson 1; Life is Cyclical

Leaders are not born, they are groomed Leading by example is good, but sharing your wisdom is better An issue all student org’s face is a high rate of turnover –“Who is possibly going to step up next year?” Lesson 2; Leaders Are Groomed

Four bones of an organization –Jaw bone – All talk and no action, may come up with good ideas but doesn’t act on them –Wish bone – Members who wish things get done but don’t contribute –Knuckle bone – A member that doesn’t come up with and ideas and is critical of others who do have ideas –Back bone – The workers of the org., it may not be their idea, but the back bone makes sure the work gets done Who of these do you want to groom? Lesson 2; Leaders Are Groomed

Examples Lesson 2; Leaders Are Groomed

No matter how hard you try, the second you declare loyalty to an org., you are forever branded with a certain reputation and expectation of behavior How you decide to influence that reputation is up to you Lesson 3; Your Reputation Always Preceeds You

Show your worth –"You know, we reward people a lot for being rich or being famous or being cute or being thin. One of the values that I think we need to instill in our country, in our children, is a sense, are you useful? Are you useful to other people? Are you making other people's lives a little bit better?" – Senator (now President) Barack Obama Examples Reputation Management

Gather allies –Rules are NOT made to be broken Respect the rules –Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire Honesty goes along way –Thank you…may I have another Accept criticism and punishment when it is deserved –Are you as excited about me as I am Communicate your success (we’ll discuss more later) Reputation Management

Trim the dead weight –“Being responsible sometimes means pissing people off.” -- Colin Powell –Sometimes you just need to cut your losses with some members and let the chips fall where they may Problem: These people often have a strong following –Let them go, you don’t need them Reputation Management

Build your “Brand” –A brand is a promise to your publics…a promise about the kind of experience they can expect with you and the value you will bring them –Build through those dreaded letters, P.R. It’s how you act in public; how you carry yourself Involvement both on campus and off (in community) Do you “toot your own horn” Reputation Management

Communication is the key to solving any situation….but it is hard work –"Opportunity is missed by most people because it comes dressed in overalls and looks like work." -- Thomas Edison Communication for an org. crosses many audiences and comes in many forms Lesson 4: Don’t ASSume They Know

Active Membership Alumni Potential Members Campus & Surrounding Community Parents Nationals Lesson 4: Don’t ASSume They Know