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Leadership

5 Things I Learned as an Association Officer Outside the Classroom

Jan 27, 2026

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.‍

Leadership

Resolutions to Results: How to Set and Achieve Goals

Jan 20, 2026

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!

Leadership

Soft Skills: The Skills that Set You Apart

Jan 15, 2026

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.

Leadership

New Year, New Me: Crafting Your 2026 Personal Brand

Jan 13, 2026

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. 

Leadership

Where Commitment Meets Leadership: Inside Association Office

Jan 6, 2026

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!

Leadership

DECA Teaches You How to Win—And How to Lose

Jan 2, 2026

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.

Leadership

New Year, New Momentum: Setting Goals That Actually Stick

Jan 1, 2026

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.

Leadership

It’s Your Turn to Lead: Run for Executive Office

Jan 1, 2026

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.

Leadership

Why Human Connection Still Matters in a Digital Business World

Dec 18, 2025

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.

Leadership

Stage Presence in Business: Turning Public Speaking into a Competitive Edge

Dec 8, 2025

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.

Leadership

Blooming into the Holiday Season: Nurturing Your Mind When the World Gets Busy

Dec 5, 2025

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.

Leadership

The Art of Failing

Dec 4, 2025

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.

Leadership

November is Native American History Month

Nov 1, 2020

November is National Native American History Month. Here are three ways that you can celebrate.

Leadership

Top Tips to Stay on Top of Your To-Do List

Oct 27, 2020

Are you struggling to stay focused and get your work done? If the answer is "yes," then you are in the right place! Read on for five tips to help you stay on top of your to-do list during the school year.

Leadership

Manage Your Tasks Like a Pro

Oct 27, 2020

Do you ever feel like you are racing against the clock to meet deadlines and complete assignments? If you struggle with procrastination, a task management plan will help you focus on the task at hand. A simple change in habits could make a gigantic difference!

Leadership

Inclusion, Access, Equity & Diversity: CTE Learners Discuss

Oct 20, 2020

Educators often discuss how to ensure career and technical education (CTE) programs are more inclusive, accessible, equitable and diverse, but how often do we discuss this topic with learners, the individuals most affected?

Leadership

Watch Now: Executive Mentor Roundtable on Next Level Leadership

Oct 1, 2020

Check out DECA’s Executive Mentor Roundtable on “Next Level Leadership." Four executives share how they have harnessed the power of leadership to impact others and offer advice on how you can take your leadership to the next level.

Leadership

3 Podcasts to Enrich Your Leadership and Life

Sep 29, 2020

Podcasts are a convenient way to learn more about becoming a better person and leader. Continue reading to discover three new podcasts to add to your collection that are guaranteed to provide insight on life, leadership and everything in between!

Leadership

Video Call Tips and Tricks

Sep 10, 2020

Practically overnight, video calls have become a new societal norm. This guide will provide you with a few tips and useful tricks to help improve your online learning or telecommuting experience.

Leadership

A Quick Guide to Understanding Servant Leadership

Sep 8, 2020

The concept of leadership has been around since the days of Aristotle and Plato and has evolved countless times throughout the centuries. But in 1970, a new theory emerged. Developed by Robert Greenleaf, servant leadership is the idea that empowered leaders serve their followers and to enable them to live and work to their full potential.

Leadership

The Ethics of Leadership

Sep 8, 2020

Ethical leaders exist in all walks of life. They are the individuals who step forward when crises occur, come to the rescue of others and generally do what's right—no matter what. Anyone can talk the talk, but can they walk the walk? In today's high-visibility, social world, more people are taking note of leaders’ behavior and holding them accountable.

Leadership

DECA Direct Magazine: Next Level Leadership

Sep 8, 2020

A new school year brings new chances to elevate your leadership to the next level. Discover fresh ideas to enhance your chapter and become a leader worth following in your school, community and beyond.

Leadership

The Next Level is Inclusion

Sep 8, 2020

It has never been more important for emerging leaders to be characterized by teamwork, innovation, competency and integrity. Fortunately, those are the valued characteristics of DECA’s student leaders. What if this moment needs you and the unique values that drive your leadership?

Leadership

Influence with Informal Leadership

Sep 8, 2020

While you may not have an official leadership title, you still have the ability to help take your chapter to the #NextLevel with your informal leadership influence. Read on to learn more about informal leadership and how you can use it to make this year a success for you and your chapter.