What Skills VP Nicole picked up @ DECA ELS Day 2 in Phoenix...

            As officers with dreams, we tend to have the tenacity to bite off more than we can chew.  However, a wise leader knows that high hopes are great, but realistic planning is much more effective and successful.  The DECA leadership training team has put together an acronym to help officers set goals within their Chartered Associations and Chapters: DECA.

D (Duty) - The minimal acceptable and relatively easy level of success for you association or chapter.

E (Exceptional) - The goal that could be achieved with a plan, commitment, and organization.

C (Champion) - The optimal level of achievement when the strongest leadership is applied.

A (Actual) - Where a team currently stands toward pursuing a greater goal, as well as the final result of a project.

            Think of chapter fundraising: every one wants an infinite source of capital for his or her chapter.  Let’s use the DECA acronym to set realistic goals for a carwash fundraiser...

            Duty- The minimal amount of money fundraised that your chapter would be happy with is $300.  The carwash was executed correctly, but the officer team did not go above and beyond.

            Exceptional- With a little hard work and organization, your chapter’s fundraiser could raise $375.  Planning, advertising, and promoting could all contribute to more success.

            Champion- The perfect carwash fundraiser could raise $500 for your chapter.  Hardworking and passionate officers can rise to the occasion to meet champion dreams.

            Actual- After a fun and successful carwash, your chapter raised $350.  Your officer team began to work hard and saw results.  Now that your officer team knows it’s potential, it should be able to reach exceptional or champion level by the next fundraiser.

            Try using the DECA acronym in the future in order to set obtainable goals for as a Chartered Association or Chapter leader.