RETURN REQUESTED: Alpha Sigma Alpha, 314-C East Pershing, Springfield, Mo. 65806. Use form 3579.
ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA SECOND CLASS POSTAGE PAID AT ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI
SUMMER, 1966
VOLUME 51 , NUMBER 4
ALUMNAE BULLETIN
ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA LEADERSHIP C. GOEKE National President
BY MARY
Leadership. The written word itself immediately evokes numerous connotations depending upon the point of view of the reader. To a "born leader," it probably is the summation of various inborn qualities, unknown in themselves, but taken for granted in the total make-up. To an "aspiring leader," it possibly signifies the many hoped-for facets, the realization of which will be just one more step in the direction of leadership ability. To those who have not yet grasped their brass ring of leadership in the unending circle of human relationships, it is probably the combination of remembered traits, both favorable and distasteful, which characterized various leaders in past experiences. Regardless, however, of the differing aspects of leadership, it is a quality that, in today's complex society, is in greater demand than ever before. One of the prime results of sorority membership, and thus essential requisites of a sorority program, is the leadership developed in the individual ~hapters and total organization . An unknown author has written the following Beatitudes of a Leader, which will serve as excellent guideposts for Alpha Sigma Alpha thoughts on leadership. I. "Blessed is the Leader who has not sought
out the high places, but who has been drafted into service because of his ability and willingness to serve."
Every chapter, both collegiate and alumnae, owes its success, or lack thereof, to its leadership. It is true that a chapter may continue to survive for several years without adequate leadership, however that is due to the excellent foundation upon which the chapter has been built. Nevertheless, should a chapter suffer because of poor leadership, the blame cannot be placed solely upon the ineffective leaders, but it must be born by the chapter membership who selected the members for the leadership positions. In this respect, the membership not only has the responsibility of selecting a good leader, but also must select other officers who will fulfill their responsibilities to the organization. An excellent leader is ineffectual without internal support. Also in this vein, it is imperative for a good leader to develop among the members a willingness and desire to serve so that a chapter will have a number of likely candidates from whom to choose, rather than candidates who must be coaxed or coerced into leadership positions. 2. "Blessed is the leader who develops leaders while leading." One of the truest. marks of a good chapter leader is that she has delegated just the proper amount of authority. A leader who delegates all responsibility, leav ing nothing for herself to do, is not displaying good leadership, merely lack
THE PHOENIX OF ALPHA SIGMA ALPHA is published in the fall, winter, spring and summer of each year at Eden Publishing House, 1724 Chouteau Avenue, St. Louis, Mo. 63103, official publishers for the sorority. The subscription price is $1.50 a year. Send change of addreos and busineos correopondence to Alpha Sigma Alpha Central Office, 314-C East Pershing, Springfield, Mo. 65806 Address all correopondencc of an editorial nature to the editor, Mrs. Stewart Koenemann 1230 Hoyt, St. Louis, Mo. 63137. Second-class postage paid at St. Louis, Missouri. 路 Postmaster: Send Form 3579 to Alpha Sigma Alpha, 314路C East Pershing, Springfield, Missouri 65806.