For many parent volunteers, this is the time of year to consider joining the parent group in an official role. And many of you are wondering if you should go for the big enchilada—the president’s job.  Elections will be coming in the spring and these last weeks of winter are a perfect time to mull over this decision.

A few thoughts to consider:

• Don’t do it because you think it is expected of you. Do it because you want to. Maybe you are currently the treasurer or secretary and the president’s slot is opening up. You might be getting not-so-subtle nudges from your group. But if you enjoy your current role and think the president’s slot isn’t for you, don’t succumb to pressure. If you do it to please your friends and fellow board members, you won’t be happy.

• But don’t avoid it because you are afraid you’ll fail. Because you will make mistakes, but you’ll learn from them. I can recall the first meeting I ran as a PTO president. It was an early morning meeting and I was so nervous about speaking in front of the group that I couldn’t eat breakfast.  But I did drink about five cups of coffee, revving me up to hummingbird speed. I think I did my whole presentation in about 40 seconds, and some attendees must still wonder what I actually said. But I got through it, learned to dial down the coffee a bit, and found that each subsequent meeting was a little easier.

• Finally, we have many resources to help you with whatever you decide!  For instance, we have a collection of articles on leadership that can guide you as you consider your leadership style, explore what it means to lead a parent group, and learn how you can grow and improve your skills.

So, as a start, check out these articles. They’ll help you make the right choice for you.

• Are You Ready to Lead?


• The Secret to Successful Leadership


• Leadership is Learning From Others


• The Leadership Skills that Matter

 

And good luck!