Embarking on Your Leadership Term as a Newly Elected Officer

As my time on my campus’ Panhellenic Executive Board comes to a close, I can’t help but reflect on what it felt like when I first began my term one year ago. I remember being filled with excitement about the term ahead, but also feeling nervous about what was to come. The interview process felt overwhelming—preparing speeches and interviews to land the position you’ve been hoping for can be daunting. Yet, once the position is yours, you often find yourself asking, “Now what?”

Two reactions may follow this question. You might, like I did, feel the urge to change everything overnight. You might rush through transition materials, try to plan out the entire year in one sitting, and feel like you have to succeed at everything all at once. Or, on the flip side, you might freeze up, unsure of where to start, overwhelmed with questions before your term has even begun. Both reactions are completely valid, but neither is the right approach.

When you first begin your position, reach out to the previous officer who held the role before you. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, or simply sit down with them to hear about their experience. This is a great way to settle into your role and create a connection with someone who understands exactly what you’re going through—someone who was in your shoes just one year earlier. I continued to reach out to my transition officer months into my term, asking for guidance as new questions arose. It’s not a bad thing to have questions or seek input—it shows you truly care about doing your best.

One of the highlights of my time on the Panhellenic Council was the opportunity to work alongside the eight other women who made up the executive board. We grew incredibly close, and the bond we formed made my experience more amazing than I could have ever expected. When you first step into your role, make sure to connect with your fellow executive board members. Create a group chat, plan a social outing—even if it’s just a casual dinner—and make an effort to get to know each other on a deeper level before your term kicks into high gear. These women will become your support system throughout the year, and building that relationship early will make the challenges ahead feel less overwhelming.

I was fortunate enough to attend the AFLV conference with my executive board just a month after I was inducted into my position. It was a great opportunity to bond with the girls from other chapters, and I felt much more comfortable approaching them for advice or support when we returned. Remember, you’re all going through the same nerves and challenges as you start your term—don’t try to navigate it alone. Do it together.

To the person who, like me, wants to accomplish everything during the first week in your new role: it’s not going to happen that fast, and that’s perfectly okay! But you should still take time to read through all the materials provided to you. Familiarize yourself with any bylaws or recruitment-related rules, and review any advice your transition officer has left for you. This will help you start brainstorming ideas for your term. You could even begin updating information on your websites or social media pages. Slowly ease into your position—you don’t need to dive in headfirst all at once.

And remember, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Past officers have worked hard to get your organization to where it is today, so it’s perfectly fine (and often encouraged) to reuse ideas and resources they’ve already developed. Don’t throw away their notes or outlines; you never know when they might come in handy during your term.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, take time to celebrate this incredible achievement! You worked hard to earn this position, and you deserve to recognize the accomplishment. Share the news with friends and family and take pride in how far you’ve come. My campus always holds elections right before winter break, and I’ll never forget celebrating the news with my friends and family. They offered me valuable tips and encouragement that carried me into the new semester with confidence.