Strategies for Success

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.

• 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.