Contributed by Nelli | Indiana University Indianapolis DECA, IN
When I started a DECA chapter and played a role in launching my association, I quickly realized that no one can do it alone. Balancing school, work and internships often leaves little time to manage my responsibilities, let alone lead a chapter or association. That’s why having a strong officer team is so important.
As Chapter President, I built my chapter's first officer team from the ground up, experimenting with different approaches, some successful, some not. As an inaugural association officer team member, I am proud to help establish the foundation and set a precedent for future leaders across Indiana Collegiate DECA. Through this experience, I've learned key values that define an effective officer team and ensure its lasting impact.
Communication & Consistency
Strong communication keeps an officer team motivated, especially with everyone's busy schedules. Regular check-ins, meetings and updates help coordinate tasks and ensure nothing is overlooked.
Consistency is just as important as frequency. A standing meeting creates structure and accountability, even if the team can't meet that day. Simply having it on the calendar makes it more likely to be rescheduled or completed later.
A study by MIT found that effective team meetings can boost productivity by up to 20%. Consistent collaboration keeps everyone informed, motivated and on track to achieve chapter and association goals.
Building Trust and Support
Trust is the foundation of a strong officer team. Officers need to know they can rely on each other and be willing to step in when someone is overloaded. This could mean taking over a project, attending a meeting or helping finish a task when a teammate has another commitment.
It's a full-circle relationship; you get what you put into it.
Clear Roles & Shared Responsibility
Defining roles ensures everyone knows their responsibilities and how they contribute to the chapter or association's vision.
Peighton Harak, Collegiate DECA Vice President, emphasizes the importance of alignment:
“A strong officer team is made up of individuals who are open to new ideas and are willing to put in the time and effort to see their plans succeed. Teams also work more efficiently if they know their goals early on.”
While each officer has specific tasks, having a shared vision keeps everyone focused and motivates the team to work together toward chapter and association goals.
Leadership Beyond Titles
While clear roles are important, it's just as crucial not to get hung up on titles. Leadership is about showing up, taking initiative and supporting your team.
It also means making decisions that are best for the chapter or association, even if they aren't easy. Officers who lead by example motivate the whole team to take ownership of the collective successes and invest in its shared goals.
Celebrate Successes Together
Take the time to recognize your teammates and celebrate their successes. A simple, “great job,” or acknowledgment of their work can go a long way. When people feel valued and appreciated, it boosts motivation and helps create a positive team environment.
As I mentioned, a team is a full-circle relationship; the support and energy you give to others will eventually return to you.
