WELCOME, LEADERS!

Being a leader at Purdue University can mean many different things. Whether your organization has 20 members or 200, there are certain characteristics that all good leaders possess. Here we have listed some key components of a successful leader. While this list is not conclusive, hopefully it will help to make you more aware of what being a strong leader is all about.

A good leader:

• Accepts responsibility
• Is open-minded
• Is creative and takes initiative
• Is a good listener
• Makes an effort to get to know group members
• Treats others as individuals
• Is honest - with him/herself as well as with others
• Encourages enthusiasm and a sense of belonging
• Understands that mistakes will be made
• Seeks help and information
• Knows when and how to say "no"
• Is a good communicator
• Has a sense of humor
• Recognizes group members for a job well done
• Seeks to understand him/herself
• Is fair
• Is willing to make hard decisions

The information in the Student Activities and Organizations Handbook is provided as a resource to help leaders organize their clubs and plan for events. While the Student Activities and Organizations Handbook is intended to be a summary of matters of interest, it is NOT a comprehensive listing of all rules and regulations pertaining to student organizations. The Student Activities and Organizations area of the Office of the Dean of Students reserves the right to change any procedure or policy listed without notice. Please be aware that University departments may have their own procedures and policies that apply to student organizations, which are not listed in the Student Activities and Organizations Handbook.