So… you’re an officer. Now, what? FBLA is one of the few organizations that allows students to be heavily involved at the local, region, state, and even national levels! Whether you’ve got your eye on serving as the National President or just content recording minutes at the local meetings, there are some skills that you should have to be a killer officer and show everyone you mean business.
Communication
What is an officer if they never talk to their adviser, other officers, and members? While that was a rhetorical question, many officers miss the most important part: communication. Communication is key, as it’s said. Let’s break down communication even further and see how you can best benefit your chapter.
Communicating with other officers
- Start a group chat using GroupMe and talk about upcoming events and meetings with your other officers.
- Have an events calendar so everyone knows what’s going on.
- Facetime or Google Hangout with your officers during breaks.
Communicating with your adviser
- Meet with your adviser at least once a week and see what you can help with.
- Hold officer meetings with your adviser bi-weekly.
Communicating with members
- Stay active on social media, and tell members to follow you and your chapter
- Send newsletters monthly to keep students informed
Organization
Staying organized is a skill that will not only help you, but your adviser and fellow officers find key information fast. Keep a binder with all of your information, like meeting notes, calendars, the chapter management handbook, and SLOTS handouts. That way, the next time someone asks you about your role or upcoming events, you’ll have everything at your fingertips.
Time-Management
As an officer, there’s so much to do and what may seem like never enough time to do it! Creating checklists of things to do, keeping track of emails, and staying on top of homework are some ways you can not fall behind. After all, your officer duties may be important, but don’t ever fall behind on your schoolwork. Knowing when deadlines are and keeping a planner, either electronically or physically will help remind you so you’re never late to the party (…or the meeting!)
