Leadership WorkshopLeadership WorkshopMid-Winter Conference 2011Mid-Winter Conference 2011

Albany, New YorkAlbany, New York

______________________________________________________________

Sons of The American Sons of The American LegionLegionDetachment of New YorkDetachment of New York

John B. RogersCommander

Detachment of New York

Member Training& Development Committee

Roy J. MezzapelleChairman

Gary Denmon

David Downey

Greg “Doc” Gibbs

Gerald M. Ketchum

Thomas G. Smallcomb

Training Objectives Training Objectives

The purpose of this workshop is to:The purpose of this workshop is to: Raise your awareness of the importance of Raise your awareness of the importance of

effective communicationeffective communication Improve your written and verbal Improve your written and verbal

communication skillscommunication skills Enhance your ability to set goals and Enhance your ability to set goals and

achieve those goalsachieve those goals Enable you to think strategicallyEnable you to think strategically Prepare you for future leadership rolesPrepare you for future leadership roles

YOU AREYOU ARETHE THE

DETACHMENT’SDETACHMENT’SFUTUREFUTURE

Building an Effective Building an Effective LeaderLeader

Building an Effective Building an Effective LeaderLeader

How do you..How do you..

- gain people’s confidence?- gain people’s confidence?

- become a credible source of information?- become a credible source of information?

- communicate with members of our - communicate with members of our Organization?Organization?

- communicate with the general public?- communicate with the general public?

It all starts with …It all starts with …

Your AppearanceYour Appearance

We are often judged by first impressions, so your appearance is very important.

You represent the Sons every time you wear the Cap.

Always wear a suit or blazer and slacks, Always wear a suit or blazer and slacks, dress shirt and tie when representing the dress shirt and tie when representing the Sons at official functions.Sons at official functions.

Be well groomed and present a positive Be well groomed and present a positive and professional image of yourself, our and professional image of yourself, our Organization, and The American Legion Organization, and The American Legion at all times.at all times.

When acting in an official capacity …When acting in an official capacity … Remember, you are “selling” the SonsRemember, you are “selling” the Sons You must be able to convince the “customer” that You must be able to convince the “customer” that

you “know your stuff”you “know your stuff” You must be able to explain our programs and what You must be able to explain our programs and what

the Organization is all about in an enthusiastic waythe Organization is all about in an enthusiastic way You must research our “products” (programs) and You must research our “products” (programs) and

be able to answer questions about those productsbe able to answer questions about those products

Your CredibilityYour Credibility

IMPORTANTIMPORTANT: : if someone asks you a question, and you are not sure if someone asks you a question, and you are not sure of the answer, do NOT tell him what you think, or make something of the answer, do NOT tell him what you think, or make something up, or lie. Tell the person you will find out and get back to them with up, or lie. Tell the person you will find out and get back to them with an answer. Make sure you get contact information.an answer. Make sure you get contact information.

Form CommitteesForm Committees Your Detachment, District, County or Your Detachment, District, County or

Squadron must set up working teams Squadron must set up working teams (committees) for membership and other (committees) for membership and other Sons programs. Sons programs.

You must find members that want to serve.You must find members that want to serve. Find your counterpart in your Post and Find your counterpart in your Post and

learn from them.learn from them. Set goals, target dates, and checkpoints.Set goals, target dates, and checkpoints.

Your Blueprint for Your Blueprint for SuccessSuccess

Set GoalsSet Goals Make goals tough but within reach. Make goals tough but within reach. Give ample rewards and plenty of Give ample rewards and plenty of

recognition for meeting them. recognition for meeting them. Stress that once a goal is met, do Stress that once a goal is met, do

not stop there, continue on to not stop there, continue on to higher levels. higher levels.

Your GoalsYour Goals

Remember…Remember…““Successful organizations do not just Successful organizations do not just

happen — and they do not just stay happen — and they do not just stay successful. Great organizations are successful. Great organizations are made up of individually successful made up of individually successful people who do the right things at the people who do the right things at the right time, in the right circumstances. right time, in the right circumstances. The managers of these organizations The managers of these organizations are leaders who work with their people are leaders who work with their people to create clear direction and vision, to create clear direction and vision, build effective teams, focus on build effective teams, focus on customer needs and practice sound customer needs and practice sound business management.” business management.” - Lee Iacocca- Lee Iacocca

Building Quality Building Quality RelationshipsRelationshipsThe American Legion Family The American Legion Family consists of organizations at the consists of organizations at the following levels:following levels:

• NationalNational• Department/Detachment (State)Department/Detachment (State)• DistrictDistrict• CountyCounty• Post/Squadron/Unit Post/Squadron/Unit

Building Quality Building Quality RelationshipsRelationshipsIt is imperative that you build It is imperative that you build quality relationships with the quality relationships with the Officers in:Officers in:• The American LegionThe American Legion• The Sons of The American LegionThe Sons of The American Legion• The American Legion AuxiliaryThe American Legion Auxiliary

ON ALL LEVELSON ALL LEVELS

Building Quality Building Quality RelationshipsRelationshipsEstablishing YourselfEstablishing Yourself

• Introduce yourself – don’t assume they know Introduce yourself – don’t assume they know who you are and what your title iswho you are and what your title is

• Make contact in writing when you assume a Make contact in writing when you assume a new or renewed role in the Sonsnew or renewed role in the Sons

• Get to know names and titlesGet to know names and titles• Know your counterparts in both the Legion Know your counterparts in both the Legion

and Auxiliaryand Auxiliary• Wear a name badge with your name and Wear a name badge with your name and

title on ittitle on it• Use business cardsUse business cards

Building Quality Building Quality RelationshipsRelationshipsAsk for help… and offer help!Ask for help… and offer help!

• Reach out to the Legion and Auxiliary Reach out to the Legion and Auxiliary for assistance when neededfor assistance when needed

• Offer assistance – don’t wait to be Offer assistance – don’t wait to be askedasked

• Make yourself available and accessibleMake yourself available and accessible• Get involved at community functionsGet involved at community functions

Building Quality Building Quality RelationshipsRelationshipsAttend as many County, District, Attend as many County, District, and Department functions as and Department functions as possiblepossible

• If asked to speak at a function, do not decline If asked to speak at a function, do not decline the invitationthe invitation

• Remember to recognize Officers and Dignitaries by Remember to recognize Officers and Dignitaries by Name and Title when appropriateName and Title when appropriate

• Explain what the Sons are doing to support Explain what the Sons are doing to support their programstheir programs

• monies raised and donatedmonies raised and donated• volunteer hours, etc. volunteer hours, etc.

Building Quality Building Quality RelationshipsRelationships

REMEMBERREMEMBERIf we are ever to attain the magicIf we are ever to attain the magic

““Million Members”Million Members”we must continue to sell our program we must continue to sell our program

to The American Legion andto The American Legion andThe American Legion AuxiliaryThe American Legion Auxiliary

on all levels.on all levels.

STOP!STOP!Take a few minute Take a few minute

break. When you come break. When you come back, break up into 4 back, break up into 4

groups of 5, and choose groups of 5, and choose a spokesman for the a spokesman for the

group.group.

Effective Effective CommunicationCommunicationMajor ComponentsMajor Components Writing SkillsWriting Skills Oral Communication SkillsOral Communication Skills Personal Administrative SkillsPersonal Administrative Skills Strategic ThinkingStrategic Thinking

Writing SkillsWriting Skills

Basic Writing SkillsBasic Writing Skills

Building Basic Writing SkillsBuilding Basic Writing Skills Identify the main topicIdentify the main topic List the points you want to make before you List the points you want to make before you

beginbegin Focus on the message — keep it clearFocus on the message — keep it clear Outline the key pointsOutline the key points Consider the reader’s needsConsider the reader’s needs Write a "first draft"Write a "first draft" Use "spell check" and "grammar checking" Use "spell check" and "grammar checking"

software on your computer, or obtain a software on your computer, or obtain a grammar/style book and a dictionarygrammar/style book and a dictionary

Ask someone else for feedbackAsk someone else for feedback If writing in the heat of the moment – wait 24 If writing in the heat of the moment – wait 24

hours and reevaluate what you wrotehours and reevaluate what you wrote

Basic Writing SkillsBasic Writing Skills

Improving Your Writing SkillsImproving Your Writing Skills State the subject and purposeState the subject and purpose State conclusions, decisions, and observationsState conclusions, decisions, and observations Elaborate on the subject but don't overkill it Elaborate on the subject but don't overkill it Conclude with an offer of additional detail, or an Conclude with an offer of additional detail, or an

offer of actionoffer of action Add "active verbs"Add "active verbs" Write shorter sentences and paragraphs for Write shorter sentences and paragraphs for

added "punch"added "punch"

Use Use boldbold//italic italic //underlineunderline, adjust , adjust font font sizesize, etc., etc.

Exercise #1Exercise #1

Written CommunicationWritten Communication

Exercise #1Exercise #1

Assume the role of Squadron Assume the role of Squadron Commander, and write a letter to your Commander, and write a letter to your members detailing the following:members detailing the following:• Squadron Meeting on February 1Squadron Meeting on February 1• Plans to review current membership statisticsPlans to review current membership statistics• Status of Children and Youth projectStatus of Children and Youth project

________________________________________________________________________________________Utilize the points discussed in the previous Utilize the points discussed in the previous

learning block.learning block.

Each group shall compose a letter as a teamEach group shall compose a letter as a teamand have one member read it aloud.and have one member read it aloud.

Oral Oral CommunicationCommunication

Speaking EffectivelySpeaking EffectivelyBEFORE you speak!!!!!!!BEFORE you speak!!!!!!! Think through the main idea you are trying to Think through the main idea you are trying to

express. express. Organize supporting thoughts and facts. Organize supporting thoughts and facts. Know your audience so that you can determine Know your audience so that you can determine

the best approach. the best approach. Avoid verbosity. Keep to the key points. Avoid verbosity. Keep to the key points. Present your opinions forcefully and directly. Present your opinions forcefully and directly. Use real life examples. Use real life examples. Speak with enthusiasm and expressiveness. Speak with enthusiasm and expressiveness. Provide a quick summary of the key points. Provide a quick summary of the key points. Rehearse, Rehearse, Rehearse.Rehearse, Rehearse, Rehearse. Be aware of your audience when using Be aware of your audience when using

abbreviations.abbreviations.

Effective SpeakersEffective Speakers

Who was the “Great Who was the “Great Communicator?”Communicator?”– Alexander Graham Bell?? Alexander Graham Bell?? – Bill Gates?? Bill Gates?? – David Downey??David Downey??

It was RONALD REAGAN!!! But WHY? It was RONALD REAGAN!!! But WHY? - He spoke with passion and enthusiasm. - He spoke with passion and enthusiasm. - He was very persuasive. - He was very persuasive. - He got his point across clearly and - He got his point across clearly and concisely concisely - AND He had a great speechwriter!- AND He had a great speechwriter!

Exercise #2Exercise #2

Speaking EffectivelySpeaking Effectively

Exercise #2Exercise #2

Develop a 2 -3 minute oral Develop a 2 -3 minute oral presentation on the following subjects:presentation on the following subjects:

Group 1: Walk-a-Thon – Planning the eventGroup 1: Walk-a-Thon – Planning the eventGroup 2: Walk-a-Thon – Why donate/participate? Group 2: Walk-a-Thon – Why donate/participate? Group 3: New members — How to get them Group 3: New members — How to get them Group 4: Detachment newsletter — How and why to Group 4: Detachment newsletter — How and why to submit submit articles articles ________________________________________________________________________________________All group members should participate in the All group members should participate in the development of the presentation and choose development of the presentation and choose

one member to deliver it verbally.one member to deliver it verbally.

Personal Personal Administrative SkillsAdministrative Skills

The ability to balance the task and the The ability to balance the task and the available time and resources to achieve available time and resources to achieve

optimum results.optimum results.

The difference between "almost great" and The difference between "almost great" and "INCREDIBLE"."INCREDIBLE".

The difference between "almost successful" The difference between "almost successful" and "WOW, WE DID IT"!and "WOW, WE DID IT"!

Administrative SkillsAdministrative Skills

Creating a PlanCreating a Plan Develop a short term and a long term plan Develop a short term and a long term plan Ensure that they are comprehensive, Ensure that they are comprehensive,

realistic and effective realistic and effective Develop a master "to do" list Develop a master "to do" list Prioritize the tasks Prioritize the tasks Assign specific objectives and Assign specific objectives and

responsibilities responsibilities Establish a calendar of activities to keep Establish a calendar of activities to keep

all participants on track all participants on track Select the right people for the job/task Select the right people for the job/task

Administrative SkillsAdministrative Skills

Creating a PlanCreating a Plan Establish expectations up-front Establish expectations up-front Get a commitment for continuity from your Get a commitment for continuity from your

team team Use all the strengths of the team to achieve Use all the strengths of the team to achieve

your goals your goals Identify effective processes and procedures Identify effective processes and procedures Allocate the needed resources to accomplish Allocate the needed resources to accomplish

the task the task Implement policies that support your Implement policies that support your

objectivesobjectives Establish a follow - up process to monitor your Establish a follow - up process to monitor your

progress progress

Exercise #3Exercise #3

Personal Administrative SkillsPersonal Administrative Skills

Exercise #3Exercise #3

Based on the points just presented, Based on the points just presented, discuss how Personal Administrative discuss how Personal Administrative Skills can improve the following elements Skills can improve the following elements of our organization.of our organization. Group 1: Membership - new and renewals Group 1: Membership - new and renewals Group 2: Children and Youth ProgramsGroup 2: Children and Youth Programs Group 3: Participation in VA&R activities Group 3: Participation in VA&R activities Group 4: Americanism activitiesGroup 4: Americanism activities

______________________________________________________________________________________________

All group members should participate in the All group members should participate in the development of the presentation and choose development of the presentation and choose

one member to deliver it verbally.one member to deliver it verbally.

Strategic ThinkingStrategic ThinkingEffective leaders think strategically. They Effective leaders think strategically. They analyze opportunities and problems from analyze opportunities and problems from

broad perspectives. They focus team broad perspectives. They focus team energies on key activities. Strategic energies on key activities. Strategic

thinking is required for long and short term thinking is required for long and short term planning. To think strategically, you must planning. To think strategically, you must

first have a "Strategic Mindset".first have a "Strategic Mindset".

Strategic Mindset Strategic Mindset (Handout)(Handout)

Group Exercise – Circle all that apply to Group Exercise – Circle all that apply to youyou

Do you anticipate other's concerns? Do you anticipate other's concerns? Do you strategize ways to get your ideas accepted? Do you strategize ways to get your ideas accepted? Do you periodically assess your group's contribution Do you periodically assess your group's contribution

to achieving goals? to achieving goals? Do you and your team brainstorm new ideas? Do you and your team brainstorm new ideas? Are you up to date on new developments or activities Are you up to date on new developments or activities

occurring in other parts of your organization? occurring in other parts of your organization? Are you aware of the latest trends? Are you aware of the latest trends? Do you spend time visualizing how the organization Do you spend time visualizing how the organization

could increase its effectiveness? could increase its effectiveness? Do you habitually consider how changing political and Do you habitually consider how changing political and

socioeconomic forces affect your organization and its socioeconomic forces affect your organization and its goals?goals?

Strategic MindsetStrategic Mindset

Remember…Remember… To develop and enhance your strategic thinking To develop and enhance your strategic thinking

you must be able to recognize the implications you must be able to recognize the implications of issues. of issues.

You must be able to analyze factors outside of You must be able to analyze factors outside of the organization. the organization.

You must be able to identify and capitalize upon You must be able to identify and capitalize upon strategic opportunities. strategic opportunities.

You must be able to develop strategic alliances You must be able to develop strategic alliances to increase your competitive advantage.to increase your competitive advantage.

““The real voyage of discovery The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeing new lands, but consists not in seeing new lands, but in seeing with new eyes.” in seeing with new eyes.”

- Marcel Proust. - Marcel Proust.

18th Century philosopher18th Century philosopher

Congratulations!!!Congratulations!!!

You have successfully completed the You have successfully completed the Leadership Workshop presented by the Leadership Workshop presented by the Detachment of New York.Detachment of New York.

We hope that it has been an informative and We hope that it has been an informative and rewarding learning experience. It is also our rewarding learning experience. It is also our hope that you will use the information that hope that you will use the information that you have gained to become better, more you have gained to become better, more productive leaders of our organization, both productive leaders of our organization, both now and in the future.now and in the future.

Yours in Service to theYours in Service to theSons of The American Legion, Sons of The American Legion,

Member Training and Development CommitteeMember Training and Development Committee