Look and Act the Part

Commanders’ Responsibilities 202

Do the Job!

Dress for Success

• Just as in the business world, appearance is seen as a reflection of attitude.

• If you look serious about our business your members will take it seriously also.

• Your appearance also makes a statement to visitors, guests, outside speakers and the guy you passed in the hall.

You’re the Commander… COMMAND!

• Democracy is a wonderful thing…it can also bog down business with endless debate. Know when to vote and when it’s time to Command. Consult your constitution!

• Make it your goal to silently convey a sense of confidence and authority. Your success will be determined by how silently you can do it.

• Develop a vision for your Camp and pursue it.• Be gracious and praise others…even when it

was your idea.

Set-up Your Meeting Room for Success

• Use a head table so members know who their leaders are.

• Set up flags, lectern and other essentials at the front of the room.

• Arrange tables so members can look forward without discomfort.

• Access door should be at the back of the room so traffic does not distract attention during the meeting.

Personally Welcome EVERY Person that Walks Through the Door

• Nothing strengthens the bonds of friendship and a spirit of cooperation like a smile and a firm handshake.

• Nothing makes a member feel more important to the Camp than a personal welcome from the Commander.

• Nothing makes a new member feel more welcome than for the Commander to make a trip from the front of the room to shake his hand. Lean his first name and use it!

• Encourage all of your officers to do the same thing.

Conduct Meetings in a Businesslike Manner

This is not all fun and games…

Confederate Heritage Always Requires Great Effort!

• As the Commander, you set the tone of your meetings.

• Be friendly but firm and decisive.• Develop a working knowledge of Parliamentary

Procedure and at least appear confident.

• During the meetings address members as “Compatriots” and officers using their respective titles.

Stick to the Agenda

• Don’t take every trail down the path or when you get to the end you’ll be all alone.

• Refer constantly to your agenda.• Avoid long journeys down dark roads.

• Leave plenty of time for the program.

• Watch the clock…others are also.

ALWAYS have a program

• Give ‘em something to look forward to and they’ll come back.

• NEVER announce that you are only having a business meeting…unless you want to spend some time alone and leave early.

• Always have some type of Confederate program – that’s why they come.

• Discourage overly long programs – research says that you only retain 10% of what you hear after 30 minutes.

• Try to end on schedule – too long and they’ll be disgusted and too early and they’ll feel cheated.

• NOTHING has a bigger effect on member retention than programs.

Find a Camp Project

NOTHING exists without a purpose – your Camp needs one too!

Civic Projects

• Historic Markers – state or local, camp markers, “Civil War Trails”

• Cemetery Clean-ups – Confederate graves or otherwise

• Charity Fundraisings – Christmas adoption, school events

Confederate/ SCV Projects

• Tombstone installation/ Iron Crosses

• Confederate Graves Registration – National or Division

• Editorial Watchdog – letter writing network

Delegate! Micromanaging does NOT lead to efficiency.

Assigning jobs to others will make them feel needed and frees your time to deal with the

bigger picture and the unforeseen.

• Often the most difficult job.

• Survey the talent and delegate accordingly.

• Become a supervisor rather than a workhorse.

• You can’t do it all…at least not with efficiency.

Find a Camp Newsletter Editor…and use him!

Nothing has a more direct influence on attendance at meetings and events than a

timely and informative newsletter.

• Unfortunately most of our members never attend a meeting…they might if they are reminded when, where and what the program is.

• If notified they “might” attend a special event.

• If they have at least this contact they are more likely to renew their memberships.

• Members are likely to look at the pictures in the magazine…but they “might,” read the newsletter.

Facilitate FriendshipsGood times result in retention!

• Assign a member to welcome EVERYONE at the door.

• Make sure EVERYONE has a clearly legible nametag.

• Following introductions around the room, point out each new member or first time attendee with a welcome and a round of applause.

• Quietly assign a mentor to each new member until they are family with protocol and other members.

If you don’t know what to do…ASK! There is no such thing as a dumb question…as long as it’s from a

sincere person.

• There are no “professional” Commanders. We’re all just doing our best!

• Our National website has every document.• Our National leaders will be glad you ask.

• Our Headquarters Staff is efficient and friendly.

If you can’t do it…resign.

Nothing causes more resentment than an officer

that accepts the trust of the Camp and then

betrays it by not doing his job.

• Part of being a responsible leader is knowing when to step aside.

• If your circumstances change and you have no choice, coordinate with your Lieutenant Commander for a smooth transition of responsibilities.

• Don’t step down for selfish reasons or from laziness – your Compatriots will think less of you and your conscience will haunt you for it.

• You’ll be respected for your honesty BUT if you merely retain the title (and the “Gee-Gaw) and don’t do the job…you won’t be respected by anyone…most importantly yourself!

Question and Answers

You will now be taken to the quiz section of this training session.