Officers | ISFFA Chicago

Effective Leadership Equals Success

Is leadership a position of office or authority? Or, is leadership simply an ability to lead? We all may know or hear of people who are in positions of leadership but who are not providing leadership. A position of office is no guarantee of leadership but the leadership position usually commands a listening ear from its staff or constituents and is a good starting point for anyone who desires to be a leader.

A leader by its strict meaning is one who goes first and leads by example, so that others are motivated to follow. This is a basic requirement. To be a leader, a person must have a deep-rooted commitment to the goal so that he/she will strive to achieve it even if nobody follows!

Good leaders are made not born. If we have the desire and willpower, we can become effective leaders. Good leaders develop through a never ending process of self-study, education, training, and experience. There is not one definable definition or quality for leadership. Leadership is a mix of various qualities, skill sets and training. Regardless of our current position in our profession, leadership skills will help us reach a higher level.

ISFFA’s customized program will highlight self-awareness tools and activities that will enhance each individual’s leadership capabilities. We will learn strategies for continuous development through peer assessment, group discussions, self-reflection, small group activities and personal coaching. Our leadership workshop aims to develop leadership skills based upon each member’s unique personality.

Mission

To provide its members and professionals with the requisite training to: (a) enable them to develop and mature professionally and (b) allow them to reach their highest potential as leaders in the community.

Target Classes

The Basic class is designed for new graduates, new members of the workforce and mid-to-senior level managers. The Advance class is designed for senior to executive members of management.

Outcome

We will develop a deep sense of self-awareness that will help us:
• Give and receive feedback more effectively
• Lead change in our organization
• Build and maintain productive relationships
• Develop others to be their best
• Manage ourselves
• Leverage differences in other people
• Set clear, achievable goals
• Resolve conflicts The program will be most effective for those who receive and apply feedback and are willing to take positive action.

Program

Each year ISFFA will host a series of approximately four (4) training workshops, presentations and/or seminars customized to the members’ needs.

ISFFA’s in-house training will consist of two primary modules: Basic and Advanced. Each module will be conducted annually by a staff comprised of ISFFA members, board and/or advisors.

Aside from the basic and advanced programs, individual half or full-day sessions will be offered on a variety of soft skills techniques.

Training

For most of us already in the workforce, our daily challenges are addressed in the Basic training. Basic classes will help each professional deal effectively with their supervisors, co-employees and staff on a day-to-day basis.

For members who are already in management positions and feel that they need to further fine-tune their leadership skills, ISFFA offers the Advanced classes.

1. Leadership Training Modules

There will be at least one and no more than two annual whole day ISFFA-sponsored workshops.

a. Basic classes

i. Identify our role and skills required to perform in our position
ii. Understand performance expectations
iii. Reward with positive recognition
iv. Learn to provide constructive feedback
v. Resolve conflicts and win support from others.

b. Advanced classes will address an executive’s guide to professional maturity.

2. Other training. Such events may run from a couple of hours, half-day or full-day presentations and training taught by outside professionals and sponsored by various organizations.

These are skills that will assist the individual members, such as:
a. How to be an effective and dynamic speaker
b. How to improve our basic writing and technical skills
c. Learn to read and understand body language
d. How to resolve conflicts
e. How to productively manage our time
f. Others

LET THE LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE UNDERSTAND YOUR ISSUES SO WE CAN FURTHER CUSTOMIZE THE WORKSHOPS ACCORDING TO YOUR NEEDS.

ISFFA CHICAGO CHAPTER OFFICERS