Strategies for Success

Building Relationships

Strategies for building a successful relationship with the executive officers:

  • Have everyone participate in a self-assessment and discuss the results.
  • Discuss “where you are:” what are your needs, expectations, etc.?
  • The initial meeting should be about getting to know each other.
  • Discuss terms of relationship (expectations, goals, relationships, etc.) and negotiate if there are differences.
  • Spend some quality time together outside of the advisor relationship.
  • Be human.
    • Why do persons become involved?
    • How can each person grow through their involvement?
  • Ask questions, make mistakes, agree/disagree, say thanks.
  • Be responsible.
  • Follow through on commitments.
  • Assist each individual in achieving his/her needs while helping the organization achieve its goals.

Other Ways to Reach Out

  • Host a dinner at your house to which you invite the officers or different groups of members.
  • Attend the formal ceremonies of your organization (such as initiation or chapter meetings).
  • Organize a session on the history or traditions of the organization for the new members.
  • Make your unique skills and knowledge public and available to the organization (if you are a professor, plan an event involving your field of study; if you are a graduate student, talk to the members about life beyond Dartmouth; if you have a lot of experience traveling, share your stories with the members).
  • Stop by the chapter house during events.
  • Attend Executive Board meetings.
  • Host retreats.