High Alpha
No office provides a greater opportunity to impact the experience and development of the chapter brothers or the security and future of a Zeta than the High Alpha. The tenure in office can often be marked by numerous challenges and periods of frustration. However, it also promises the opportunity to experience remarkable success, fulfillment, and even joy, as well as the possibility for considerable personal growth.
Chapter brothers choose a High Alpha as their leader by expressing confidence in his integrity. It is important to remember that in Lambda Chi Alpha, leadership is conceptualized as the outcome of applying our Seven Core Values. The High Alpha must temember the acronym LDRSHIP and take a few moments to reflect on the values that correspond to each of the letters. Loyalty to our Fraternity, to the ideals of our Initiation Ritual, and to our brothers, will provide the defining structure for the decisions and rulings that a High Alpha will be required to make as president of his chapter. The consistent, and often repetitive, requirements of the High Alpha office will bring into focus a sense of duty and the need to be a steward of our Fraternity’s traditions and teachings as the High Alpha serves the brothers and Zeta. The High Alpha must remember that servant leadership, and leadership through the exercise of courage and character, are defining roles that lead to the realization of True Brotherhood. Respect, Honor, and Integrity must be the guidelines for the High Alpha's behavior. Being a successful president begins with being an example and role model of all the ideals taught by our rituals.
The High Alpha must also remember that a mistake is only an opportunity to do better, that the chapter brothers and High Pi are available for help and support, and that the ultimate source of wisdom can always be found in the remarkable teachings which define ZAX. As the High Alpha begins his term in office, he must take time to think about where he wants his chapter to be at the end of his tenure and how the Seven Core Values and the ideals of our Fraternity can help to create a conceptual map of where the chapter needs to go. The High Alpha must reflect on the strengths he brings to lead his chapter in the coming months and honestly appraise any weaknesses that might encumber his progress. The High Alpha must turn to his other officers to help to compensate for any shortcomings. Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of being High Alpha will be the opportunity to grow beyond these vulnerabilities during the term of office.
A High Alpha should look forward to the challenges and possibilities that await him. Some day he will look back on what he experienced and accomplished. The High Alpha ust remember that good beginnings make for good endings, that progress often comes in little steps, and that the ultimate measure of accomplishments will be the integrity with which he pursues them, and the sensitivity with which he enacts them Leadership is ultimately an act of love. What could be a greater focus than that?
Resources