1. 1 Family Network on Disabilities of Florida, Inc. 2735 Whitney Road Clearwater, Florida 33760 Phone: (727) 523-1130 Toll free: (800) 825-8687 E-mail: pirc@fndfl.orgpirc@fndfl.org Website: www.fndfl.org Working With Parents: How to Be a Leader

2. 2 Agenda  Characteristics of good leaders  Characteristics of good followers  Keys to motivating people  Leadership and Parents  Dealing with anxiety when presenting  Resources

3. 3 Goal  To provide leadership tips and strategies

4. 4 Objectives  Learn characteristics of effective leaders  Learn strategies that will assist participants in building and enhancing leadership skills

5. 5 Leadership… “One of the basic functions of leadership is to unite people: bring people together to achieve common objectives. There is truth in the statement, where there is unity there is strength.” Charles Barron, Dynamics of Leadership

6. 6 What Leadership is NOT…  It is not a “position”  It is not being the one who is most popular  It is not being indispensable  It is not about blaming others Charles Barron

7. 7 To Be An Effective Leader…  You must be willing to delegate responsibility and be willing to trust those to whom you delegate responsibility  You must be willing to share power; effective leaders know that in sharing power, they ultimately gain power  A prerequisite for providing effective leadership is understanding the importance of quality followership, so… Charles Barron

8. 8 To Be An Effective Follower…  You must be: –Motivated –Disciplined –Responsible –Able to accept directives from others –Willing to work independently and with groups Charles Barron

9. 9 Keys to Effective Followership  Be a critical thinker, not a “yes” person  Be consistent and dependable  Be humble and patient  Be able to receive and offer constructive criticism  Be a tireless worker  Be working on developing leadership skills! Charles Barron

10. 10 Setting the Stage for Success  Lead with high energy and boundless enthusiasm  Give people a sense of purpose and direction  Plan for success  Give praise and encouragement  Show confidence and faith in peoples’ abilities and showcase them  Develop a vision for the future Charles Barron

11. 11 Tips for Leadership  Keep eye contact with those to whom you are speaking  Dress appropriately for the occasion  Shake hands with those you meet  If you are not introduced, introduce yourself  Smile  Volunteer to speak or report to the group or audience Charles Barron

12. 12 Tips for Leadership ( continued)  Remain positive when addressing and responding to an individual or group  When voicing a concern or complaint, also voice a solution  Don’t be afraid…remind yourself of why you are involved and draw from your inner strength Charles Barron

13. 13 How to Deal with Anxiety  Be prepared! Rehearse!  Organize what you would like to say – have your main points written on note cards  Speak from your heart – use your own personal experiences  Take a long, deep breath. Research shows it really does work! Charles Barron

14. 14 We Can All Be Leaders  Leadership is vision, setting the stage for success, organization, and action  Leadership gives people a sense of power, hope, and a commitment to makes things happen  Leadership creates the future, provides guidance, direction, inspiration, and empowers people to realize their leadership potential Charles Barron

15. 15 Internet Resources The internet provides information and resources for leadership in your child’s school and education.

16. 16 PTA Web Link PTA : PTA Home www.pta.org

17. 17 Florida Department of Education Web Link Bureau of Family & Community Outreach www.fldoe.org/family/ Don’t forget to complete our online survey on the last slide!

18. 18 Thank you! Please click on the link below to take a short online survey. Type in your password: parentleader Parent survey: insert link here Educator survey: insert link here

19. 19 Please Complete Evaluation For more information contact: 2735 Whitney Road Clearwater, Florida 33760 Office: 727-523-1130 or 800-825-5736 Fax: 727-523-8687 www.fndfl.org