Dave Curry

Concept Three - Select A Core Leadership Team

Other than their involvement with planning efforts for the following year, Governor-Elects oftentimes find themselves in a "hold status" until the current year has completed. Although chomping at the bit, their position within most districts is focused on planning for the ensuing year. One way to actively set the stage prior to your year unfolding, and to get a head start on ensuring that significant goals are hit, is to be involved with a core group of "next years" leadership team, actively determining and, to a limited degree, pursuing goals in advance. The best way is to personally choose some or all of the Lieutenant Governors who will serve with you next year. But how, and who to choose?

First, a core group of 6 to 10 individuals are needed to create the dynamics necessary to brainstorm solutions for the district. In Montana we were fortunate in only having nine divisions, so I was able to choose all nine Lieutenants (one had to run in a contested race). Only one had served as a Lieutenant Governor in the district before, all were dynamic, half were men, half were women, and all were ready to run by the end of November, just prior to their elections at the Mid-Year Conference. The methods used to locate these dynamic individuals:

Three were recommended by a past-governor, the district secretary, or by someone else asked to serve.

One was from a list of distinguished past presidents, whose club secretary indicated would be exceptional.
One was the spouse of our IDD district chair and another was a friend from past International Conventions.
One had single-handedly kept their new club not only alive, but very active during the prior two years.
The other two I had witnessed serving well in leadership positions within the district.

When chosen, this team formed quick and lasting bonds. Without my knowledge, they had planned their own entry into the installation ceremony, singing "Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, Its off to work we go" while marching from the back of the hall. They were bonded, they were ready, and why not? They were all personally requested to serve, were asked to form a team that was going to make a real impact, and were being requested to be involved in a dynamic review of improvements for our district. They were intricately involved with, and subsequently actively sold the district goals and objectives that year. The accomplishments of the team were impressive:

Positive Growth - Tripling IDD contributions - Doubling District Convention Attendance - etc, etc.

Their energy was one of the reasons for dynamic success that year. The following are some considerations:

Have individuals that are not associated with the current year administration so that some "first month" successes can be in place before the year begins (gives a head start without impacts to the current year).
Have them be involved in the goal setting so that the team develops a plan and has buy in to its success. If there are some pre-set goals, at least have them discuss the ways to accomplish them to achieve buy-in.
If you oversee a larger district, still have a core group (8 or 9) involved, and have them prepared to help bring other
Lieutenant Governors "on board" at training & at the district convention just prior to serving.
Seek motivators, regardless of age, ready for the challenge of inspiring club officers.

Sometimes the most effective leadership requires surrounding yourself with dynamic and motivated individuals.

For more information contact:

Name: Dave Curry
Address: 1204 W Woolman
Butte, MT 59701
Phone: (406) 723-8067
email: Dave Curry

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