LEADERSHIP is one of those personal qualities that often eludes people.  It’s hard to define with words, but is readily identifiable through actions.  In our effort to grow leadership within GWRRA, we want to recognize those people who are making a difference through their leadership.  As we travel to many meetings and events each month we see many great ideas being used throughout the chapters of Tennessee and elsewhere.  We want to share those ideas with all of you so that no one has to recreate the wheel.  Each month, check our Training page on the Tennessee GWRRA website for a new idea or practice that will help you become a better leader.  If you have a great idea or see one, please pass it along to us (ken.zahn@smokymtnit.com) so we can share it with others.

Congratulations to our first ‘leadership winners,’ Jim and Mary Cobb, Chapter Directors of Chapter G in Tullahoma, TN.  We stopped to visit Chapter G while in the area for the Horizons Program 2006 and ‘caught’ Jim and Mary displaying good communication skills which is an essential leadership quality.  At their meeting, Jim and Mary passed out the Chapter G 2006 Address Book and we immediately knew it was a great idea!  Now, we realize that many chapters have address lists, rosters, etc.  However, we believe there are several things that set Chapter G’s Address Book apart from others and make it a ‘leadership tool.’

The book is printed in black and white on readily available 8 ½” x 11” white paper.  When finished it is 5 ½” wide x 8 ½” high.  Its compact size allows it to be carried in a purse, notebook, or saddlebag for easy access.  No fancy paper or excessive printing costs were required proving that good ideas don’t have to be expensive!  The book is readily identifiable.  It has “Volunteer Wings, Chapter G, Tullahoma, TN, 2006 Address Book” on the front with a large 4” GWRRA helmet logo.  The cover readily displays chapter and organizational pride.  On the first page, chapter officers are listed making it easy for members to find the person they wish to contact.  An alphabetical listing of all members follows, including names, address, telephone numbers, and email addresses where available.  Beside each entry is a picture of the individual, couple, or family as appropriate.  This makes it easy for members to remember who is who and helps new members ‘get to know’ other members by sight.  Where pictures were unavailable, cute clip art pictures were substituted.  One page contains the same information, including pictures, for the Tennessee District Director, Assistant Middle TN Director, Educator, and Couple of the Year making it easy for members to recognize and contact these people. The book also contains a listing of all birthdays and anniversaries, by month, making it easy for members to remember each other and putting this information in one convenient location.  There are a couple of pages for notes at the end, too.

Great chapters have great communication.  They make it easy for members to communicate with each other, as well as chapter staff members, and those outside the chapter, such as District Director, etc.  Kudos to Jim, Mary, and the members of Chapter G for recognizing the importance of, and encouraging, great communication within their chapter!

Like any good leader, when I contacted Jim about this ‘award,’ he said, “credit our newsletter editors (Rich and Ann Whittington) for making and printing the book.”  So, thank you to Rich and Ann for their hard work and effort, and for contributing to Chapter G’s efforts to have open, continuous, communications!  Job well done!