Check Your Ego At The Door...

It's a great idea to become a leader within your chapter by taking on a board position. There are several benefits:

1. You are a more visible member in the chapter with more prominence.
2. Others will look up to you as a leader.
3. You will gain respect from other chapters, especially when your chapter does well. You'll be partially credited with the success of the chapter.

However, you do a disservice to your chapter if you:

1. Carve out your own kingdom.
2. Are unwilling to listen to advice and suggestions from others in your chapter or in leadership positions.
3. React negatively to anyone's ideas that differ from your own.

The key to remember is that 'we're all on the same side, wanting what is best for our chapters'. No one person is more important than anyone else, or as Charles Dickens wrote, 'The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few'.

Make the effort to understand someone else's point of view and intent, before judging or acting in a rash manner. You'll have less regrets if you do.