Club Leadership and

Issue Management

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Debra Harper, First Vice President

Melanie Grammar, DD SD2, Conflict Mediator

February 28, 2023

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I am a Leader in a Republican Women’s Federation or Club.��Why are we talking about conflicts?

Distractions - Barriers to Success

Our Expectation

Reality When Things Go Wrong

Sources of Conflicts

Common Reasons for Conflict

What Happens if Conflicts Are Not Resolved? Results�

What Can You Do About It?

How do Effective Leaders handle conflict?

• They acknowledge there is conflict
• They handle it with respect, courage and patience
• They deal with and diffuse the tension
• They strive to be the Peacemaker

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What if there is conflict with board members ?

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• It can’t be ignored.
• Handle with empathy.
• Be confident and optimistic.
• Expectations need to be clear.
• Follow bylaws and Robert’s Rules

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What Can You Do to Resolve Conflict?

1. Develop a conflict resolution strategy for the situation

• If the situation is repeatable, write it down as a process. For example, Club Dissolution Process
• If it is a unique situation, identify the issues and involve the right people

2. Use your best communication skills.

3. Consider helpful club tools: bylaw amendment, policy, Code of Conduct, Standing Rules

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How to Resolve Conflict

Tips For Using Conflict Resolution Strategies�

• Set ground rules, like having each side use “I” instead “you” words that may imply blame.
• Be an active listener and use positive body language to show you are attentive and following along. 
• Remain professional and unbiased in all interactions to earn and maintain both sides’ respect.
• If parties agree on an item, write it down. Follow up with both parties to confirm they have met the agreement.
• Know when to take a break when emotions are running high or nerves need calming.
• Bring in someone else to act as a mediator if needed, as this will showcase your integrity and earn respect from both sides.

Source: Indeed/Career Development/Jennifer Herrity 12/20/22

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Improving Communication Skills

Emotional intelligence is commonly defined by four attributes:��

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• Self-management
• Self-awareness
• Social awareness
• Relationship management

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Active Listening �Common Traits

Be Aware of Toxic People

Common Types of Toxic People

Benefits of Resolving Conflicts

• Achieves goals
• Increased performance, productivity and motivation.
• More effective leadership.
• Increased trust.
• Creation of effective working relationships.
• Member retention.
• Reduced stress, improves morale.

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If all else fails….call your District Director!

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Leadership Essentials

For Club Presidents

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�President Responsibilities

• Read and share the TFRW Leadership Handbook with officers and chairmen and share sections which detail their job descriptions.
• Know your club bylaws and general structure of the TFRW Board and educate your board members.
• Local Club Duties are available on TFRW Website (Forms and Documents)
• Ask for help if you need it.

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Appoint a Parliamentarian

Every club should have a Parliamentarian

ARTICLE VII ─ APPOINTED OFFICERS

The President shall appoint, with the approval of the Executive Committee, a Corresponding Secretary and Parliamentarian.

1. The Parliamentarian shall:
1. Serve as counsel and give advice on parliamentary procedure;
2. Be familiar with the bylaws and standing rules of the Club; and
3. Be entitled to the membership privilege of a ballot vote if a Club member.

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�More President Responsibilities

• Attend TFRW Board Meetings and Workshops
• Participate in TFRW Conference calls
• Represent your club at Republican events
• Share the TFRW Newsletter with officers, committee chairmen, and members.
• Update Your Club information on NFRW
• Logon NFRW to obtain your Club Stats and Membership Cards

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And More President Responsibilities

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• Be available to your Board and members.
• Encourage communication and listen to what is being said or offered as helpful advice or constructive criticism.
• Discourage gossip.
• Seek advice from your District Director and Deputy President when needed.
• Always thank your officers, chairmen, and members for jobs well done.

Roles as Club President

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• You are the club cheerleader wherever you go
• You are the face of TFRW
• You are held to higher standard
• Network, Network, Network
• Attend other Republican Events
• Identify clubs and presidents you admire and use them as your example

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More Roles as Club President

• Train your officers well.
• Encourage, encourage, encourage!
• Start meetings on time.
• Be familiar with Parliamentary Procedure.
• Create and stick to your agenda.
• Do not miss deadlines! Tip>President’s Checklist
• You have control of the microphone.
• Informative Speakers are the key to a good meeting.

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What resources does TFRW provide Presidents?

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• USB with Leadership Handbook
• Monthly TFRW Today newsletter
• Digital Training on TFRW Website
• Board of Directors : District Director
• Executive Committee : Deputy President

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Resources continued

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• Leadership Day
• Legislative Day
• President’s conference zoom calls
• Quarterly board meetings
• Speakers Bureau
• RW Conventions

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Resources continued-Website

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• Board Member Roster / Presidents Roster
• Bylaws Template
• Patron Program
• NFRW information
• Any form you could possibly need
• Entire Leadership Handbook updated as needed
• Political Action-What counts for hours
• Literacy programs information
• Guide to beginning a new club
• Newsletters
• Registration for events

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In Summary

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Leaders must set a good example by showing their commitment, passion, empathy, and honesty. Good communication and listening skills, decision making capabilities, creative thinking, vision and conflict management skills are also critical.

Questions ?���Don’t Forget to Network TODAY!

Resources and References

• Indeed/Career Development- Numerous Free Articles
• Indeed/Career Development/Jennifer Herrity 12/20/22
• Karen Salmansohn. Notsalmon.com/courses/toxic-people “No Drama Llama” courses. Also yutub.com/watch?v=xDjb5fz0)NKo
• HR Cloud. https://www.hrcloud .com/blog/7tips-on-how-to-manage-and-resolve-conflict-in the-workplace
• Harvard Business School Publications
• 8 Tips For Better Communication Skills, Mary Emerson. Forbes.com/sites/Harvard-division-of-continuing-education/skills?sh-542197a6993
• Daniel Goleman. kornferry.com/insights/this-week-in-leadership/emotional-intelligence-skills-coronavirus-leadership
• Dealing With Difficult People (The Effective Read more at: https://www.scienceofpeople.com/toxic-people/
• https://dailyinfographic.com/types-of-toxic-people
• mindfulmediation.com.au/resolving-workplace-conflicts/
• Gregory Jantz. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hope-relationships/202111/break-free-the-trap-toxic-people
• Your favorite browser finds free articles and fee based training modules
• Also see notes at the bottom of slides

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