Leadership
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5 Things I Learned as an Association Officer Outside the Classroom
Beyond the metrics and milestones, my greatest takeaways have been the lessons I learned along the way. Here are the five things that I definitely learned in DECA outside of the classroom.

Resolutions to Results: How to Set and Achieve Goals
Resolutions are long-term goals that require planning, habits, positive and realistic thinking. In this article, you will learn how to set and achieve your personal goals to become your ideal version of yourself SMARTly!

Soft Skills: The Skills that Set You Apart
Every successful DECA member has one thing in common: strong soft skills. You may not see them listed on a role-play feedback sheet, but they are what truly separate good competitors from great ones.

New Year, New Me: Crafting Your 2026 Personal Brand
The start of the new year is a great opportunity to shape your personal brand. Here are a few tips on how to start the year off on a strong note.

Where Commitment Meets Leadership: Inside Association Office
Association officers play a huge role in shaping the DECA experience for members by supporting initiatives and representing DECA with professionalism and heart. Let’s take a closer look at what being in association office is really like!

DECA Teaches You How to Win—And How to Lose
Winning earns trophies. Learning earns leadership. DECA’s real lessons happen offstage, through collaboration, resilience and initiative, and they shape the students who make the biggest impact.

New Year, New Momentum: Setting Goals That Actually Stick
When you set intentional goals, your time, energy and effort begin to align. Every early morning, late night and moment of preparation has meaning because it’s connected to something bigger than the task at hand.

It’s Your Turn to Lead: Run for Executive Office
Executive Office is an opportunity to give back to our organization while expanding your journey as an emerging leader. Here’s why you should consider running for Executive Office.

Why Human Connection Still Matters in a Digital Business World
In a world that is constantly evolving, the ability to connect with others will always remain a competitive advantage. Understanding the value of relationships is just as important as mastering technical skills.

Stage Presence in Business: Turning Public Speaking into a Competitive Edge
Public speaking isn’t just a performance skill — it’s a professional advantage. In DECA, where ideas are evaluated on clarity, confidence and delivery, the way you communicate can be just as important as what you communicate.

Blooming into the Holiday Season: Nurturing Your Mind When the World Gets Busy
Feeling overwhelmed this holiday season? Discover how to bloom amid the chaos, lift your mood and nurture your mind with simple, powerful tips to stay calm, connected and energized when the world feels too busy.

The Art of Failing
Failing is always an important step in your DECA journey. Failing is a great way to reflect and adapt to circumstances that might require you to change your way of thinking.

Pressure Forges Diamonds: 10 Practical Public Speaking Tips for DECA Competitors
DECA competitions place students in high-pressure speaking environments where performance is evaluated, timed and compared. Here are practical public speaking tips specifically for DECA competitors.

Lead Bigger: Why You Should Run for Collegiate DECA Executive Office
Running for Collegiate DECA Executive Office is about growth, service and leadership. Executive officers help shape the future of Collegiate DECA while gaining experiences that extend far beyond college.

Why Human Connection Still Matters in a Digital Business World
In a world that is constantly evolving, the ability to connect with others will always remain a competitive advantage. Understanding the value of relationships is just as important as mastering technical skills.

Blooming into the Holiday Season: Nurturing Your Mind When the World Gets Busy
Feeling overwhelmed this holiday season? Discover how to bloom amid the chaos, lift your mood and nurture your mind with simple, powerful tips to stay calm, connected and energized when the world feels too busy.

The Key To Problem Solving
Not everything always goes to plan, which is why it’s essential to know how to problem-solve in any situation. Understanding where things went awry after fixing them can help you avoid the same issue in the future.

Lead in the Moment: How Presence Sets Real Leaders Apart
Are you leading or just reacting? Discover how consistently showing up with deep intention sets you apart as a leader.

Beyond the Glass: How DECA Competition Builds Real-World Leadership
From competition to chapter leadership, here’s how DECA gives members the tools to think on their feet, take initiative and make an impact in their schools, communities and future careers.

From Umm to Aha! Tools That Help You Speak Clearly and Confidently
Let’s face it, speaking in public can be scary. Even professionals still feel nervous at times! The real question is, what tools are available to help turn those nerves into power? Learn more in this article.

The Business of Basketball: NBA Lessons for DECA Leaders
With a global reach and billions in revenue, the NBA is a business powerhouse. For people involved in DECA, there’s real value in understanding how the world of the NBA and basketball highly connects to the world of business.

Call Her DECA: Why Podcasts are the Next Big IT Girl
There is a new IT girl in town, and she is in your earbuds. Like DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs, podcasts prepare a new generation of thinkers, doers and dreamers who are ready to take the mic.

Ingredients of Successful Chapter Leadership
Successful management for DECA depends on teamwork, roles, motivation, communication, flexibility, planning and leadership. These are the recipes for a successful team that can do incredible things and learn together.

5 Ways DECA Helps You Build Resilience
Resilience is built through experiences, and DECA provides countless opportunities to strengthen this essential skill. By developing adaptability, confidence and perseverance, members gain a competitive edge that will serve them well in their future endeavors.


