Leadership can be lonely. True leadership is tough.

When you are a leader, you should be dedicated. You’re dedicated to your chapter because you know what it is, what it can become, and what it can do. Most importantly, you understand your chapter, its members, its values and its ideals.Your desire to lead stems from your passion. But, it won’t be easy.

Leadership can be lonely. True leadership is tough.

• You’ll be under-appreciated. You’ll work longer hours than anyone else, trying to better your chapter, only to have people complain. You’ll SHOULD be the first to arrive and the last one to leave. You’ll be challenged in your decisions, and you’ll have to constantly defend them.
• You’ll be frustrated when your chapter does not show up for this event or that. You’ll ask your brothers and sisters to do one thing, only to have them do the opposite, or nothing at all. You’ll question why it’s so easy for your members to attend the party on a Friday or Saturday night, but then why it’s so difficult for them to attend your chapter meeting or ritual.
• You might get stabbed in the back. You’ll probably get very little sleep, and you might get that call in the middle of the night during a panic or crisis situation.
• You may get told that you are the worst leader ever. You’ll probably get yelled at a number of times.
• You will have to face tough situations that require tough decisions be made. Some of your members may not like you for your tough choices, but someone needs to make them.

I've been placed in this situation before. But the most important thing is to lead by example in order to get things done. How is someone suppose to steer the boat if no one is willing to grab the wheel? Let that someone be you. If you have the qualities your chapter needs...then step up. If you are not dedicated or doing a half-assed job? Step down. I understand that the leadership life isn't for everyone. I recognize that it won’t be easy. You might never win an award for your work. You might get a thank you every now and then. The complaints will certainly outweigh the times you’re told you’re doing a good job. But, no matter how difficult it may get, that’s not why you should choose to lead. We choose to lead because we want what’s best. We choose to lead because we love our chapters, our brothers and our sisters. We choose to lead not for ourselves...but for others. The possibility to make a difference, to leave a legacy, to impact lives is what keeps us going.

Thinking about being a leader? It’s not for everyone. It’s not for the resume builders. You don't need a title to be a leader. It is not for the people who cry at every chance. It’s not for the person who likes to please everyone. It’s not for the member who wants to tell others what to do. It is for those who don’t need an award to keep going. It is for those who are willing to stand up for what is right. And, it’s for those who love their chapters.Thinking about being a leader? With great power comes great responsibility, right? If you can handle all of this, then choose to lead. I did.