Time to Head to the Store
Have you ever gone to a store with one thing on your mind: ‘Get some milk.’ Once you get there, however, you see cereal (which you are out of), then gum (that would be good for your walk on campus), and pizza rolls (they burn your mouth sometimes, but are so good). You grab a few other things you see and think might be nice to have. Then you head to the check-out, purchase the items, and head for home.
Once you start to put away your items, you notice something – NO MILK! You can’t believe that you went all the way to the store for that one item and got everything except the darn milk. Sure you got some things you wanted, but you didn’t get what you NEEDED.
Surprisingly, this happens to chapters and colonies during
recruitment seasons. Seniors graduate, officers move on to other roles, but who will be the ones to step up when you follow this path? What about the intramural teams – did everyone return this year? More than likely, the answer is no. You need to replace these role players and leaders.
Money is always tight during college, but if you head to the store with a list (milk, cereal, ramen, and batteries) you are more likely to get what you need and save money. The same can be said for recruitment. While you will always need those who can become leaders in the chapter, what else do you need? Intramural players? Student Government Representatives? Those in the same major as others? A finance major to take over as Crysophylos? Making a list of needs (both immediate and future) will help focus your energies and resources towards those types of individuals.
Gathering this list is as easy as talking with officers and other members in the chapter. Once you have compiled a good list, prioritize it and share it with the chapter. All Tekes want their chapter to become great, so if you can find the pieces that will help you get there by focusing in on these your work is much easier. You are looking for the highest quantity of high quality men – this list will help you attain it.
The next time you head to the store, make a list and see if you get what you need. Sure there will be the pizza rolls you still want, but when you exit you can be confident you got everything you went for. The same will hold true for recruitment. Get out there and find the men you need. The result will be a stronger chapter of guys who complement each other and get you closer to the coveted Top TKE Chapter Award.
And Don’t Forget the Milk!
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