Emotionally Intelligent Leadership and the Norma Minch Andrisek Leadership Conference

A few weeks ago we introduced the concept of Emotionally Intelligent Leadership (EIL) in a blog post. EIL emphasizes the idea that everyone has the capacity to be a leader. It is all about relationships. This central idea of Marcy Levy Shankman and Scott Allen’s book Emotionally Intelligent Leadership: A Guide for College Students fits perfectly with the Norma Minch Andrisek Leadership Conference. Mrs. Andrisek, in speaking about the creation of the Conference, which began in 1980, stated "I remember returning from our National Convention at that time and thinking, 'Wouldn't it be great to have the opportunity to get the collegians together in a less formal setting where they could interact one-on-one with National Officers and National Chairmen?' From the beginning, we thought of these as 'Leadership Conferences,' not officer training conferences.” 

 

The current curriculum for the Norma Minch Andrisek Leadership Conference (NMALC) was designed to build upon each of the three consciousnesses outlined in EIL: context, others and self. Conference participants heard from author Scott Allen, took the EIL assessment, and explored context, others and self through leadership case studies, creating a leadership journey and teamwork activities. Julie Starnes, Chapter President for the Pi Epsilon Chapter at Clemson University, shared this about what she learned through the EIL assessment at NMALC:

  

"The biggest thing I learned about my leadership capacity through the EIL assessment is that I have room to grow when it comes to the fundamental facet “consciousness of others.” I realized, with the help of this evaluation that I need to spend more time coaching others, and empathizing with them; to spend the extra time helping others enhance their skills… The EIL assessment highlights different capacities that maybe one doesn’t consider on a day-to-day basis. Some of the capacities come naturally to certain individuals, while they are a challenge to others. However, by merely making everyone aware of these different capacities, as Mr. Allen would say, these factors can be incorporated into each decision that one makes."  

 

Emotionally Intelligent Leadership emphasizes intentionality – practicing leadership with purpose. Fortunately there are several opportunities for student leaders, alumnae advisors, and all Delta Zetas to begin this intentional practice of leadership. Consider the following: 

• Document your leadership journey. On a piece of paper, use words, drawings, different colors, etc. to describe your leadership journey. Reflect upon the situations, people, and feelings that were present in each part of your journey. Consider sharing your journey with others – your fellow Executive Board members, a colleague, a close friend, etc.
• Take the EIL Assessment. They are available for purchase via: http://www.eileadership.net/literature/the-eil-library
• Check out the Emotionally Intelligent Leadership You Tube Channel. http://www.youtube.com/user/EILeadership
• As an Executive Board member or committee member, suggest that your team examine some case studies available on the EIL website: http://www.eileadership.net/eil-case-studies

On the 25th anniversary of the Conference in 2005, Mrs. Andrisek said, "The Sorority is in good hands, and I believe there are people coming along who will see to it that it remains strong - people who embrace the values that all Delta Zetas think are important.” Julie affirms that sentiment is still conveyed through the NMALC. “For the rest of my life, I will never forget reciting the Delta Zeta Creed with hundreds of women from all around the country. I may not have known them personally, but I knew what they stood for - and that we are all part of something much bigger than ourselves, our chapters, and our communities,” Starnes states.

 

Mrs. Andrisek continued, "There are so many people who have contributed in so many ways and so many people who care and who are determined to address the difficult issues. For all Delta Zetas, I don't think there is anything that can enrich and enhance the college experience like being a member of Delta Zeta. The basis is friendship, and that will never change." Or in EIL terms, it’s all about relationships.