Leadership Manual

Here we review a typical Annual Leadership Handbook. Original files are included where possible (.doc, .xls, etc), use these freely. Usually, I give the incoming president a few choices, to enable some customization and focus from year to year.

Cover PageIf the incoming president has a motto for the year, I print it on the cover! Or a short vision statement.  Here is a Cover Page template.

Table of ContentsThis manual is organized by color coding. This Table of Contents template lists sections by color, and each section is printed on corresponding color paper. White cardstock separates each section.  Cheaper and easier than fumbling with tiny folder tabs!

Rosters & Contact InformationThis section holds the BOD roster, all committee rosters, and a staff directory/commonly called places (RE Commission, State & Nat’l Associations, MLS Support, etc). Included here is the staff directory/common places file.

2010 Calendar of EventsI’ve included my own calendar so you can see a sample style but whatever you use works.

Governing DocumentsThis section holds Bylaws, Policies, MLS Rules & Regs, etc.

FinancialsThis section holds the approved Association budget for the year.

Membership Totals ReportMy report shows member counts by month over the last few years. I’m sure you have similar reports!

Board Meeting MinutesI always include just the immediate past year’s worth of board meeting minutes, each prefaced by the corresponding original agenda.

Leadership InformationI throw a few things in here, including a Board Member Code of Ethics, Help the President Create a Leadership Team, Helpful Hints for New Directors, Basic Job Descriptions, and our association’s specific position descriptions. Most of these documents came from an amazing session at AEI a few years ago. I have linked HERE the session handout, which includes all above AND gives appopriate credit to the providing consultant.

Committee ManagementIncluded here is the Enhancing Committee Effectiveness booklet, and a how to create Committee Mission/Goal Statements.

FormsIn the final section, I put frequently used forms…for example, a Volunteer Signup Form, a Travel Riembursement Form, and a Volunteer Service Statement.