Leader: one who provides guidance and direction

A successful leader is one who has a vision or goal and will work toward it with determination and commitment. Motivation in a person is desire and energy directed at achieving a goal. A leader should be able to influence a group to do what must be done. You must have strength and the ability to decide which priority is more important.

The six most important words: "I admit I made a mistake."
The five most important words: "You did a good job."
The four most important words:"What is your opinion?"
The three most important words:"If you please"
The two most important words:"thank you."
The most important word:"we"
The least important word:"I"
-author unknown

A good leader is made, not born, through experiences. Leaders each have unique beliefs, values, ethics, character, knowledge, and skills. A person must think about their group not them selves. Self-serving leaders are obeyed not followed. This holds the group back from success.

Conducting A Meeting

Successful leaders use parliamentary procedure, a system of organization used for meetings. The system provides an orderly and fair method of conducting meetings so that everyone is heard. The procedure is to follow the will of the majority, protect the rights of the minority, and protect the interest of those who are absent. In order for these goals to be met, everyone must cooperate to create trust and respect.

Making Meetings Work to Your Advantage

Plan your meetings in advance and only when needed. Listen to everyone's opinions and actively engage in the discussion. Make sure everyone has an in put and the meeting is all about one person. Be sensitive to each other and be sure not to offend anyone. Demand hard work and good reports from members.

Basic Principles of Parliamentary Procedure

Under this organization, all members have equal rights, privileges, and obligations. There must be full and free discussion on every motion. Only one motion can be considered at a time. A motion first must be made by a member then second by another member before being discussed. The members debate the motion and then put it to vote. All that are in favor say aye and those apposed say no. The result of the vote is then announced. Then the group moves onto the next order of business.

The term debate relates to the discussion of a question. Small groups are often less formal. During a debate a member may not speak until a member of the chair recognizes them. Unless other wise decided, a member can speak for ten minutes. During a debate your remarks should be directly related to the topic and loud enough for all members to hear. When speaking you should avoid attacking someone else's motive.

Boards and Committees

The rules for these smaller groups are different from those of large groups or assemblies. These are the rules that are more likely to take place at an interact meeting. Members are not required to obtain the floor while speaking, but can do so from their seat. Motions do not have to be second and their are no limits on the amount of time a member has to debate. Also informal discussion may take place while there is no pending motion.

A committee is a body of one or more people who are appointed to consider, investigate, or take action on certain topics. Usually a member prepares a draft report. These reports are a brief summary of the meeting.