Phi Alpha Delta

Issue #2, 2019 — The Reporter 3 Message From the International Justice Now that we have progressed into the second year of the 2018–2020 biennium, this is as good a time as any to discuss professionalism and leadership, and how they are intertwined. is is especially important in all levels of Phi Alpha Delta as the International Executive Board (IEB), with the help of its committees, continues its work on our three initiatives (revitalization of weak and inactive chapters; restructuring of international and regional events; and international expansion) that will move Phi Alpha Delta forward into the 2020s. Professionalism is the way you conduct yourself as you represent both yourself and the organization you are connected with in a paid or volunteer capacity whether it be your law firm, agency, or Phi Alpha Delta. is includes following behavioral standards that may be set forth in a written document, such as a policy manual, and traits that are harder to label but are no less valuable. Professionalism includes conducting yourself with integrity and being respectful and courteous to others. Failing to meet the standards of professional conduct could have adverse consequences, affecting one's chances of employment, advancement, or ability to keep a position. Without getting into the weeds in discussing professionalism, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University's Career Services sets forth several ways that one can develop and practice professionalism, which include being productive, developing a professional image, taking the initiative, maintaining effective work habits, managing your time efficiently, demonstrating integrity, being a problem- solver, being resilient, communicating effectively, and building relationships. See Virginia Tech article at https://career. vt.edu/develop/professionalism.html. Remember—your reputation follows you. What is it that people will remember about you? Are you kind? A hard worker? Do you complain often without suggesting solutions? In recent years, social media has added another dimension to professionalism where you should be guarding your reputation. Postings could be misconstrued, so before hitting that send or post button, you need to ask yourself "is this really what I want to share with the world?" Keep different audiences in mind when deciding what to post, avoiding certain topics, and know that you should not put everything on social media. It is possible to balance being personal and professional online, while being mindful that your digital reputation will become part of your "real life" reputation. Leadership is the art of motivating a group of people to act towards achieving a common goal, where the leader directs others with a strategy to meet an organization's need. A couple of leadership quotes come to mind in helping to frame what we mean by leadership as distinguished from management. "Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things." – Peter Drucker. "A good objective of leadership is to help those who are doing poorly to do well and to help those who are doing well to do even better." – Jim Rohn. Effective leadership is based upon ideas, either original or borrowed, and only occurs when those ideas can be communicated to others in a way that engages them to act as the leader envisioned. Qualities of effective leadership include sincere enthusiasm, integrity, great communication skills, loyalty, decisiveness, managerial competence, empowerment, charisma, and, of course, professionalism, which will enable one to be a more effective leader. You should lead by example by focusing on the task at hand and exhibiting the professionalism expected by the team. When problems arise, your capacity for professionalism and leadership will be tested, and as an effective leader you need to learn to deal with such problems in a professional manner by addressing problems in a constructive way, which will demonstrate that you are more concerned with the best results for the organization rather than satisfying your own ego. Raising the bar for your own professionalism allows you to build bridges where others count on you to be level-headed in tough times. is leads to creating a professional environment that helps you, grows your organization, and results in effective leadership. Fraternally, Jason "Jay" M. Ross, International Justice, Paterson Chapter

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