Gamma Iota Sigma
Grand Chapter

Administrative Guide

Chapters

Your Role as an Officer of Gamma Iota Sigma

At one time or another just about everyone has been involved in an organization or club.  Regardless of whether you were an officer in one or your prior affiliations, you probably scrutinized the actions of those in charge.  Because of that experience, we're all familiar with the officer who merely occupies his or her position, rather than putting forth an honest effort to help improve the organization's performance and various programs.

If you are currently an officer, or are planning to run for an office in your Gamma Iota Sigma chapter, your decision should not be taken lightly.  A poor attitude while serving as a Gamma Iota Sigma officer can have a harmful and long-lasting effect on your professional career.  Likewise, your tenure in office might also pave a smooth, quick path to success, if you think of it as an opportunity to build a reputation as a hard worker, dedicated to the needs of your chapter members.

You might further consider that the people usually remembered are the fraternity's officers.  In other words, if you're going to be an officer, you will be remembered for your dedication and diligent efforts, or your lack thereof.  The choice is yours.

So, don't make the mistake of taking your duties lightly.  Look at the position for what it really is, a tremendous opportunity to prove yourself and have everyone's attention while you do so.  You won't have a second chance to make a first impression.

The best way to get something done is to begin.  Once you finally set your goals and priorities and get moving, the rest will come easily.   To help you begin, here are twelve self-starting tips:

1.         Put your plans into writing.  Outline what needs to be done and how you intend to do it.

2.         Develop a self-monitoring system.  On your outline of what it is you hope to accomplish, set a deadline and then establish time intervals of when certain steps should be completed.

3.         Get an early start.  If you find that you are procrastinating on a project, get up early one day and get started.  An early start is a great psychological conduit in convincing yourself that you are serious about getting your task underway.

4.         Differentiate between "can't" and "don't want to."   When people whom you have asked to help with a project explain that they "can't," it many times means that they "don't want to" do it.  Learn how to tell the difference.

5.                   Determine what needs to be started first.  In some of your management course text books the PERT System - "Project Evaluation and Review Technique" is discussed.  This system will help you to visualize the steps and timing of procedures required for a given activity.  If you can't decide exactly what must be started first, you will flounder and do nothing.

6.         Improve your self-persuasion ability.  You will quickly realize the tasks you are delaying action on are probably the least pleasant.  To help motivate yourself, answer the following questions:

a.          What am I putting off that I should be finishing?

b.          Why am I putting it off?

c.         When is the best time, for me, to work on completing this task?

d.         Am I assuming it will be easier or perhaps better to do this later?  Why?

e.         What are the advantages and disadvantages to delaying action on this project?

7.         Contradict negative thoughts.  If you find you are beginning to doubt your ability, ask yourself "What makes me think or feel that I can't do this?"

8.         Do extra work just after you receive good news.  Good news, or perhaps recognition of a job well done, makes us feel optimistic.  Optimism makes difficult jobs seem easier.  However, do not waste this surge of energy on routine, mundane tasks, instead, dig into one of your difficult projects.

9.         Develop a self-promoting "to do" list.  Try to continually keep yourself "pumped up."  People generally will do something because they perceive some personal benefit.  Be sure to list next to each "to do" item the benefit you personally will realize as a result of finishing a project.

10.       Remember your sense of humor.  Indulging in the lighter side of any given situation will help to promote a positive attitude.   Laughing helps create a more relaxed atmosphere, which many times will also give you a more realistic viewpoint.

11.       Use action works.  By using such words as "now," or "immediately," you will influence others with the urgency of starting a project, and thereby overcoming procrastination.

12.       Get Started!  Confidence is often associated with action; and conversely, lack of action is thought of as lack of confidence.