Passion: The Path to Becoming a Stronger Leader

Nominations for the 2014-2015 PRSSA executive board are underway and this time next week we will have a new executive board leading our chapter.  Many of of current members, myself included, have shown the drive and interest in taking on a leadership position in PRSSA.  As the current Social Media chair, I have learned the best ways to provide tactics and information about our chapter via social media platforms to share with our members and other PRSSA chapters across the country.  All of the executive positions require one common trait for each person wanting to run. That trait is passion.

There are hundreds of qualities that could be listed as leadership charactersitics, but in order to commit oneself fully to a leadership position, passion for Public Relations and the betterment of our PRSSA chapter is very important.

A helpful article I found on how to become a leader: http://www.prsa.org/intelligence/thestrategist/articles/view/10031/1072/13_ways_to_become_a_better_leader#.UzNEgvldWH4

As writer Dave Grossman said in the above article, "If you were to commit to some additional chutzpah this year, then where might you focus your energies?"

Chutzpah, a Yiddish word which translates into "incredible guts," is something I would want to implement in the executive board, in every position. 

Number 1 was one of my favorites from Grossman's list...

• Have the tough conversations you've been meaning to having.

WITH YOURSELF ~ Many people have very great ideas and important thoughts, that go unsaid.  Telling people what they need to hear, instead of what they want to hear, may not earn you initial positive feedback but will not only be helpful to you (since you are no longer holding back your thoughts) but to the person who you are sharing the information with.  This will help create bonds and trust - two things that are important in any organization.

Elections are next week, a new executive board will be taking over, and Valpo PRSSA will continue to grow in a positive manner.  

What are your favorite traits you believe makes someone a leader? 

Share your thoughts!

Written By: Emily Doherty, PRSSA Social Media Chair and National Delegate for Valparaiso University. 

Contact Emily ~  emily.doherty@valpo.edu or linkedin.com/in/edoherty1/