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Leadership Development

Leadership: A Shared Vision

Much has been written about leadership styles, characteristics of a good
leader, and what strong leadership must look like to be successful. Yet
many are reluctant to step into leadership roles in DKG as they fear the
time commitment will be overwhelming. Building on the state organization
leadership training offered in August 2021 where the theme was “TEAM”
and the importance of TEAM leadership was discussed, how can developing
a team help the busy leader manage the demands of her role?
Teamwork is essential to the effectiveness of any organization. So, how does
one build a strong team that is flexible, efficient, and effective enough to assist
in making leadership of an organization manageable? Most importantly, the
team must develop a shared vision, and the leader must empower the members
of her team to fulfill the responsibilities of their positions while being receptive
to change. If everyone does her part and shares in the vision, that vision can
become a reality that will help members grow and meet the challenges of
today’s active professionals. Surely Dr. Blanton and the Founders felt a strong
commitment to excellence in education
and wanted women to be readily
involved in implementing significant
change and sharing a strong voice.
When members of the team develop
a shared vision on the direction of
the chapter or state organization, they
will want to ensure the success of
that vision. Team members must then
work together to implement the vision
and provide direction for the growth
and sustainability of the organization.
Involvement is critical to ownership,
and ownership builds accountability
and commitment to the vision.
We often hear the slogans
“Teamwork makes the dream work” or “TEAM—Together Everyone
Achieves More,” but leaders may still feel the need to “oversee” everything.
In a strong team, the leader helps set the tone but allows the members of
the team to have an active voice in decision making. Each person knows
her role and shares the responsibility with other members. In this way, more
may be accomplished as everyone can “work smarter, not harder!”
Communication is, of course, essential to effective teamwork. Other
suggestions that may prove helpful in your state organization or chapter include:
• Allow co-chairs where members serve together, sharing responsibility; this
approach may be especially helpful to the busy working professional.
• Clearly define duties so that everyone understands the expectations of her role
in the shared vision.

Collegial Exchange · 57