More Information About Leo Clubs Leo Membership Leo Club Activities Leo Leadership Awards and Recognition How to Organize a Leo Club Just For Advisors Information for Chairpersons Updates For Leos Leo Conference Grant Program Leos at Convention

Leo leadership camps

Lions often sponsor weekend leadership camps for the development of Leo club leaders. During these retreats, Leos participate in team-building activities. Potential Leo leaders should attend these training programs for the development of leadership skills.

Leadership traits

Energy, self-confidence, intelligence, persistence, and the ability to express oneself are all leadership traits.  Additional characteristics include:

• trustworthiness
• fairness
• knowledge of the individual needs and interests of club members
• a future vision for the club
• acceptance of responsibility

Good leaders can develop club members into teammates. With encouragement and motivation, Leos can work together as a single unit.

Understanding why young people initially join a Leo club is helpful to Leo leaders. Some of the main reasons for joining a club include:

• serving the community
• belonging to an active youth group
• making new friends
• developing leadership skills

Building a Leo team

Teamwork is important for successful Leo clubs. To foster teamwork, Leo leaders can begin by:

• establishing club goals
• explaining overall tasks to everyone involved
• assigning specific tasks to individuals
• encouraging members to support the efforts of other Leos
• encouraging an open exchange of ideas, including contrasting views

To increase the closeness of club members, Leo leaders can:

• look for ways to increase the satisfaction that Leos receive from their efforts
• reward individual Leos for their contributions
• look for ways to increase the prestige of the club
• find ways to increase interaction between Leo club members
• celebrate successful Leo projects

The value of discussions

Interclub conflict may arise. When handled constructively, differences of opinion can:

• encourage the exchange of valuable opinions
• stimulate interest in an activity
• reveal problems
• resolve tension
• increase motivation

Resolving conflicts

Leo leaders may implement the following actions in addressing conflicts.

• Define the problem - State the problem in writing.  Be sure the problem has been defined and is not just a symptom of the problem.
• Uncover the facts - Request input from both sides of the problem. Obtain data from outside sources, too.
• Organize the facts - This step is required when complex issues are involved.
• Determine solutions - Consider various possible solutions while searching for the best solution.
• Realize the consequences - Before deciding on a solution, consider the possible consequences of each solution.
• Act on the solution - At this time, establish how you will know that the problem has been solved.
• Evaluate your solution - Leaders should oversee the process to verify that the solution has been achieved.

Protocol for club meetings

Leo leaders should be familiar with parliamentary procedures outlined in Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised. This publication is available (in English only) through the Official Lions Club Supplies Catalog. Club meetings should include a written agenda as well as:

• a call to order by the president
• an opening ceremony, e.g., the national anthem, salute to the flag, or other local custom
• a roll call of members and the introduction of guests
• the serving of refreshments, if any
• the introduction of speaker(s)
• the secretary's report and the reading of the minutes from the previous meeting
• the treasurer's report - a copy should be filed for audit
• the reading of minutes from the board of director's meeting
• the reading of correspondence received since the last meeting
• the reading of committee reports and approval of actions
• the discussion of old business
• the presentation of new business
• adjournment

Addressing conflicts during club meetings

When Leos express a difference of opinion during a club meeting, leaders may feel challenged. To prepare for this situation, Leo leaders should:

• know when and how to rule a member "out of order", call for a vote, table a discussion, or refer the discussion to a committee
• ask the Leo to state the disputed issue in the form of a motion
• understand that this Leo wants to either: raise awareness of the issue; request action on the issue; or express an opinion
• allow fellow Leos to help settle the dispute. Most Leos are interested in maintaining order during club meetings. Their intervention may be helpful
• enter the resolution into the official club minutes.