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A Quick Guide to Understanding Servant Leadership
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.
The Ethics of Leadership
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.
DECA Direct Magazine: Next Level Leadership
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.
The Next Level is Inclusion
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?
Top Tips for Socially-distant Membership Recruitment
Building your chapter’s membership is one of the most important ways to set it up for success in the new school year. But what are the best ways to recruit within the “new normal” of more virtual interactions and less in-person activities? Learn how to recruit new members the socially-distant way with these top tips.
The Power of the Diamond
Throughout your DECA career, you’ll wear the blazer, throw up a DECA diamond symbol and add lots of blue to your wardrobe. You will also undoubtedly hear DECA’s core values and mission statement more times than you can count. But have you ever stopped to think about what they really mean?
Cultivate Your Chapter’s Culture
2020 is a year that has changed all of our lives. If your DECA chapter has experienced a decline in recent months, struggling to cope with virtual meetings and maintain engagement, your chapter culture may need a boost.
Discover Your DECA Leadership Style
There are hundreds of assessments to help you pinpoint your leadership traits, but the only one you need to take your leadership to the next level is the DECA Leadership Style Quiz.
Influence with Informal Leadership
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.
5 Tips for Your Freshman Year
Entering high school can be a nerve-wracking experience, but remember you're not alone! To help calm your nerves and ensure you start off on the right foot, follow these five tips for your freshman year.
DECA Members Raise $7,000 Through the MDA Muscle Corp Program
DECA members raised over $7,000 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) this summer through the pilot MDA Muscle Corp Program. Twenty-one DECA members successfully completed the program and earned 40 hours of community service.
Mountain View High School Virtual Recruitment
Like for many chapters, this year’s DECA kickoff meeting was unique for Mountain View High School in Georgia. Even though the meeting was held through Zoom, the chapter still found a way to make it one of their best meetings yet.
DECA Announces New Premier Partner Program + Inaugural Members
The DECA Premier Partner Program offers a meaningful way for organizations to connect, be visible, and actively engage with DECA’s network of high school and collegiate student members and advisors.
Summer and Competition Preperation is in Session
Whether this upcoming school year is the first time you are competing in Collegiate DECA or not, there is no better time than now to start taking the first steps.
A Leader’s Checklist for Preparing for a New School Year
For chapter and association leaders, this time of year is especially important. The work you do before classes begin can set the tone for your entire year, helping your team stay organized, engaged and ready to succeed.
5 Ways to Lead Outside of DECA
While DECA has helped shape me as a leader, some of my biggest leadership lessons have come from experiences outside of DECA. Whether it's at school, work, or in your community, there are opportunities to lead everywhere.
Be a Founder: 6 Steps to Bring Collegiate DECA to Your University
During my senior year of high school, I realized the college I was attending did not have a Collegiate DECA chapter. This made me realize that I had the opportunity to create something that would benefit students for years to come.
Simple Ways to Balance Work, Life and DECA
Balance does not mean doing everything perfectly. It means finding a routine that helps you stay organized, communicate clearly and take care of yourself.
Get to Know the 2026-27 Collegiate DECA Executive Officer Team
As the 2026-27 Collegiate DECA Executive Officers gear up for an exciting year ahead, take a moment to learn more about the faces behind the blazers and the stories that brought them here.
How to Discover Your Next Big Thing
Your Next Big Thing starts with one step. Learn how DECA members can discover their goals, grow from challenges and use every opportunity to become stronger leaders and members.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Meet with Congressional Representatives
Meeting with your US Congressional Representative is one of the most effective ways to advocate for DECA. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you schedule a meeting with your representatives, share your experiences, and follow up.
What Collegiate DECA Has Taught Me About Networking
Before DECA, I used to think networking meant adding random people on LinkedIn. But over the last few years, I’ve learned that networking is much more than that. Here are 5 things that DECA has taught me about networking.
Goal Setting for Your Collegiate DECA Chapter
Before diving headfirst into working towards accomplishing your chapter's goals, here are a few important steps each chapter should take when setting goals.
Building Your Brand for Future Success
No matter the setting, your personal brand can influence future opportunities. Discover the building blocks you can establish to ensure a successful brand, especially whenever it comes to being the NEXT BIG THING.
