• Leadership is responsibility, not prestige.
• Work with what you have, not with what you wish you had.
• Be patient.
• Admit your mistakes.
• Remain calm at all times – even if someone else has lost his temper with you.
• Start and end meetings on time.
• Develop leaders by your example. “Character is formed not by laws, commands, and decrees, but by quiet influence, unconscious suggestion, and personal guidance.” – Marion L. Burton.
• Be specific.
• Use people’s names when speaking to them.
• Never delegate a job that you would not be willing to do yourself.
• Always be open-minded.
• Do not permit members to offer only negative criticism. Teach them to offer possible solutions when pointing out problems.
• Maintain eye contact with whomever is speaking.
• Ask the quiet member for his opinion or idea.
• Relax. Most of the things we worry about are things we can’t control anyway.
• Summarize throughout your meetings to stress important points.
• Be prepared.
• Never say never. “Start viewing the possible as the probable – you’ll be surprised at what you can accomplish.” – Unknown.
• Allow members to learn from their mistakes.
• Do not focus all your energy on temporary ups and downs – keep track of the long-term goal.
• Convince your group with logic or sincere conviction, not by authority.
• Do not allow verbal attacks on yourself or others.
• Use comparisons and examples to clarify a point.
• Be yourself. “No one ever became great by imitation.” – Samuel Johnson.
• Keep your meetings focused.
• Allow each member to speak without interruption.
• Do not discredit ideas simply because you do not agree with them.
• Tell the truth. Do not make excuses, be sarcastic or exaggerate.
• Have fun. Encourage your group to have fun.
• Make sure your nonverbals match what you say.
• Show enthusiasm.
• Reward folks for a job well done.
• Be honest.
• Treat others with kindness. “One kind word can warm three winter months.” – Japanese Proverb.
• Exercise supportive leadership, not coercive.
• Encourage your group members.
• Be confident. Avoid suffixes like “I may be wrong” or “don’t you?”
• Ask for clarification if a point has not been understood.
• Keep your answers short and direct.
• And remember: the spirit of a group reflects the spirit of its leadership. If you are positive and enthusiastic, chances are your group will be too.

Anderson, K. (1993). The Busy Managers’ Guide to Successful Meetings. NJ: National Press Publications.

Walters, J.D. (1987). The Art of Supportive Leadership. Nevada City, CA:Crystal Clarity.