These Are My Best Survival Tips for Chapter Leaders...
- Utilize the experience of the chapter staff and discuss issues with recent past presidents
- Don’t have one yet
- Listen – forge consensus on the major issues – compromise on the little things
- Work closely with the chapter staff especially the CEO
- You need at least a couple of like-minded people on board – delegate – wear flotation devices
- Allow time, some transactions and goals can be met only a step at a time
- Clarify personal relationships – attempt to know your practice finances and support structure
- Stay in front but not out of sight
- Encourage your chapter executive to continue to hone his/her leadership skills
- Start early, work with senior officers – explore alternatives and collaborative option with other family physician organizations within the state and with the state medical society
- Talk/communicate frequently with other chapter leaders
- Constantly compliment others in leadership in order to promote their future help
- Help patients vote for appropriate politicians
- Ask questions for clarification – sometimes things are done because we always do them that way
- Share responsibility
- Listen/organize/lead
- Attend ALF, network with other chapter leaders – visit other chapters’ annual meetings – use Dona Flory for assistance
- Work well with staff
