Ten Principles of Successful Leadership Knights of Columbus Leadership Seminar Rod J. Hofschulte/Patrick M. Maloney (2009-2010)

1. Leaders Must Have Served Themselves… “To talk the talk, you must have walked the walk!” You can’t expect others to do what you will not, or have not done! Examples.. Recruit, Chair an Event, Join the Guild.

2. Leaders have a duty to understand the system or enterprise… Leaders must be competent and knowledgeable. Leaders must know the product and the purpose of his organization! Leaders must understand its importance to society and be proud of its accomplishments and programs.

3. Leaders lead in design and implementation of Strategic plans and goals… Leaders have annual planning and goal setting meetings Establish goals for membership intake, programs, donations, etc. Leaders set priorities for their organizations.

Smart Goals Specific Timely Measurable Action-Oriented Realistic 3a. Elements of Goal Setting Without goals, our path has no destination

4. Leaders identify and appoint qualified directors and chairmen for the job… Leaders take the time to find the very best appointees, persons interested and willing to serve in the position being filled. Experience and skill brings success. Considers new members Engages and promotes interest in positions.

5. Leaders set the tone and attitude for their members “People buy into their leaders before they buy into the vision or goal” – John Maxwell. Members will absorb a positive attitude and imitate a Leader’s image. Members appreciate a skillfully conducted meeting or valued program.

6. Leaders create consensus among members… Leaders have the ability to get everyone pulling their wagons in the same direction. Avoid conflict among members. Encourage a common understanding of purpose which will lead to a positive and productive end.

7. Leaders insure adequate training and resources are available to meet goals... Never expect a person to accomplish his goal without proper training and necessary resources to do the job. Would you expect someone to fix your car without the proper tools or training?

8. Leaders give encouragement and sound advice… Good Leaders think through their response before they comment. Be quick to compliment; slow to criticize. Compliment by group; criticize in private. Remember there is something good in everyone and in every effort.

9. Leaders are held accountable… Leaders are expected to hold meetings and participate in service programs. Leaders are expected to contribute to the growth of the organization through increased membership. Reports are expected to be filed correctly and on time.

10. Be committed to honesty, truth, fairness and be optimistic … These are the most desired leadership qualities mentioned by employees, members of teams. Leaders possessing these qualities will find success in pulling teams together. Teams pulling together will experience many accomplishments.

A Corollary to Ten Principles of Successful Leadership Leaders must have a Positive Attitude. Everything is possible if you have the Desire to achieve the Goal. Have you ever wondered why libraries or book stores do not have books on how to develop a negative attitude? Probably because we are too well trained in this skill already. It’s exhibiting a Positive Attitude that we need to develop & master!!!

“Our lives are not determined by what happens to us, but by how we react to what happens; … not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life. A Positive Attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes. It’s a catalyst… a spark that can create extraordinary results.” Attitude

The Pessimist complains about the wind… The Optimist expects the wind to change… A Leader adjusts the sails! Attitude

Must have Determination With Vision Explore the Beyond “Until you spread your wings, you will have no idea how far you can fly”

A Supreme brochure is available for Grand Knights entitled 10 Steps to Success As a Grand Knight Brochure #4527 A Supreme brochure is available for District Deputies entitled 10 Steps to Success As a District Deputy Brochure #4185