Clan Leadership

**CSCunningham** · 12th September 10, 08:28 AM

Next weekend (Spet. 17,18,19) Clan Cunningham International will be holding its GAM at the New Hampshire Highland Games at Loon Mountain. At the AGM on Saturday I will be elected President of Clan Cunningham International.

I am looking for good advise and council from my friends here at X Marks. What are some of the Dos and Don'ts of the job. What are the Best Practices for clan leaders. Is there any leadership training for clan leaders here in the states?

**MacMillan of Rathdown** · 12th September 10, 10:27 AM

Congratulations on being elected President of Clan Cunningham International. As far as tips on leadership go, I'm afraid you're on your own!

**Mike_Oettle** · 12th September 10, 10:37 AM

I second the congratulations, but have even less to offer on the question of clan leadership. Sorry about that!
Regards,
Mike

**HeathBar** · 12th September 10, 10:44 AM

Congratulations! I am about to find myself in the same position with Clan Barclay. My advice would be to communicate. Thank your conveners for their hard work and welcome new members and invite them to participate in the clan.

**acaig** · 12th September 10, 11:05 AM

With the utmost respect I would have thought as the to-be leader of Clan Cunningham you would already have the expertise to be the leader. Otherwise why are you going to be elected.

**MacBean** · 12th September 10, 07:33 PM

Originally Posted by acaig

With the utmost respect I would have thought as the to-be leader of Clan Cunningham you would already have the expertise to be the leader. Otherwise why are you going to be elected.

I didn't read his post that way really. I felt he was looking for wisdom from others that would aid him in his duties. I would think any good leader should seek advice from others at times. I don't think doing so lays open to question one's expertise does it? Or was something else borthering you about the post?

**MacBean** · 12th September 10, 07:37 PM

I would say that a useful goal would be to create a feeling of personal affiliation and community, something that only comes from repeated interaction over time.

**ctbuchanan** · 21st September 10, 09:28 AM

I've known Steve for a long time - he will make a great clan society leader. He is knowledgeable, an experienced convener, doesn't get rattled, and has been through some 'interesting' times with his clan association in recent years.

Just stay in touch with your reps around the world. Nothing beats hearing from the leadership when you are in the trenches working the games and festivals. It's always nice to know your efforts as a convener are appreciated.

Congratulations Steve

CTBUCHANAN

P.S. Steve - thanks for stepping in and anticipating the help I needed Saturday even though I forgot to talk with you before hand.

**vmac3205** · 21st September 10, 09:47 AM

As the newly elected secretary for Clan MacKenzie in the Americas, I congratulate you. If your clan is organized like ours, yours is a position of fostering good will and clan PR. Support your officers and commissioners as much as posible and stay in touch lwith them.

**piperdbh** · 21st September 10, 10:33 AM

My advice would be to find someone who is a good proofreder to make sure the clan newsletter is well-written. I've seen very poor writing in newsletters, and to me, that shows a lack of effort.
Also, I would imagine that a goal for the clan would be a good idea. For example, you might have a goal of increasing membership by 5% over the next year, or of adding an extra Games, or of commissioning your tartan in cotton for members to use as flags/table runners. Usually if people feel included in a project or goal, they're more likely to support the organization.
One last bit of advice: don't give a long-winded acceptance speech.

Congratulations, Mr. President.