Chapter Organizational Effectiveness Toolkit

Page 0 of 36 | Southern Area Organizational Effectiveness Tool Kit

Organizational Effectiveness

Chapter Tool Kit

Developed by

The Southern Area Organizational Effectiveness Team

2014

Page 1 of 36 | S o u t h e r n A r e a O r g a n i z a t i o n a l E f f e c t i v e n e s s T o o l K i t

Dear Sister Links,

The two fundamental pillars of The Links, Incorporated are Service and Friendship.

Just as our communities are transformed by our programs, we too should be

transformed by the experience of true friendship that we have in The Links,

Incorporated.

When Link Eneid Francis, our 18th Southern Area Director took office, she made

strategically enhancing the chapter experience one of her top priorities. Your

Southern Area Organizational Effectiveness Team is the result of that effort. The

Southern Area Organizational Effectiveness Team (OET) serves as a resource and

provides support to chapters in their efforts to cultivate friendships and maintain a

positive climate in the chapter. OET members assist chapters through training and

workshops, retreat facilitation, and coaching.

We applaud the Link sisters who have stepped forward to serve as their chapter’s

Organizational Effectiveness Chair. They work in tandem with our service mission

of transformational programming and facilitating meaningful and effective

friendship cultures throughout chapters in the Southern Area.

It is our hope that this tool kit, compiled by your OET, will be a valuable resource

as we strive to remain linked in friendship and connected in service. Feel free to

contact team members for assistance or with your questions about tools in this tool

kit. We also welcome your suggestions and additions to this resource.

Your Friend,

Link Faye Hargrove, Chair

Southern Area Organizational Effectiveness Team


2014-2015 Southern Area

Organizational Effectiveness Team

Faye Hargrove, Augusta (GA) [email protected]

Margaret Z. Beard, Magic City (AL) [email protected]

Elaine Beattie, Asheville (NC) [email protected]

Cathy Bradford, Birmingham (AL) [email protected]

Vicki Brooks, Orlando (FL) [email protected]

Jillian Davis-Morgan, Greensboro (NC) [email protected]

Angelia J. Fryer, Charlotte (NC) [email protected]

Vivian Green, Pensacola (FL) [email protected]

Abra Lattany-Reed, Brunswick (GA) [email protected]

Monique McCarthy, Jacksonville (FL) [email protected]

Earnestine Taylor, Greensboro (NC) [email protected]

Katrina Young, Crown Jewels (NC) [email protected]


Organizational Effectiveness

Mission

The mission of Organizational Effectiveness is to provide support and resources that

foster positive cultures and strengthen the bonds of friendship in Chapters in the

Southern Area of the Links, Incorporated.

Vision

Southern Area Chapters of the Links, Incorporated are careful stewards of the two

pillars of The Links Incorporated—friendship and service. Chapter members are

engaged and feel equipped to effectively maintain both the operational and

interpersonal aspects of a healthy chapter.

The Organizational Effectiveness Team Description

The Southern Area Organizational Effectiveness Team (OET) serves as a resource

and provides support to chapters in their efforts to cultivate friendships and maintain a

positive climate in the chapter. OET members assist chapters through training and

workshops, retreat facilitation, and coaching.

Chapter Organizational Effectiveness Chair Position Description Guidelines

The Chair of Organizational Effectiveness (OE) monitors the Chapter’s climate and

makes recommendations to the Executive Committee for programming, activities and

actions that maintain a positive and friendly chapter culture. The OE Chair is sensitive

to interpersonal relationships in the Chapter and identifies issues of conflict/tension.

She works closely with the Social committee to ensure that friendship activities are an

integral part of chapter programming and with the strategic planning committee to help

identify measurable outcomes for chapter climate. The OE Chair also works closely

with the VP for Membership to ensure the smooth transition and on-boarding of new

members into the chapter. The OE Chair may provide support for the Chapter’s

mentoring program. It is recommended that the Chapter Chair of

Organizational Effectiveness be a member of the Chapter Executive

Committee.


Table of Contents

Topic

Page

1 Mentoring Program 6

2 On-Board New and Transfer Members Roadmap 8

3 Chapter Retreat Basics 10

4 Handling Conflict 14

5 Best Practices for Building Friendships 16

6 How to Create a Survey 18

7 Chapter Climate Survey 26

8 Resources 27


GUIDE FOR ESTABLISHING MENTORS FOR NEW

MEMBER INDUCTEES

The purpose of the Link Mentee-Mentor relationship is to establish and promote the sisterly

relationship from the onset of membership and to help guide our newest members into Linkdom.

Below is a suggested checklist of activities to complete within the first three to six months of

membership. We believe that the most successful relationships are established when mentors are

assigned during the inductees’ orientation process. This formal relationship is to be a one year

commitment that hopefully shifts into a loving friendship for years to come.

Considerations for choosing a right mentor:

Be a chapter member for at least 2 years

Be an active member of a facet and committee

Possess a friendly and outgoing nature

Have a solid knowledge base about Linkdom

Display a teaching and cooperative spirit

Have available time for the mentee

Belong to a contrasting age group

Have a common interest or bond (i.e. mothers/professional affiliations, community

affiliations)

We recommend that there be several facilitated ice breaker activities and opportunities for the

members and inductees to interact during the orientation sessions. This makes the pairing more

natural.

Mentors usually make themselves available. Special consideration may be given if a member

asks for a particular inductee.

We recommend that the mentor not be the inductee’s sponsor.

We recommend that the pairing be initiated by the VP of Membership. She may consult with

the OE Chair and President before finalizing the pairings.

We recommend training be conducted for mentors to ensure a consistent experience for new

members.

MENTOR RESPONSIBILITIES CHECKLIST

The mentor acquires background information on the mentee (bio, press release, membership

application) from the sponsor or VP of Membership.

The mentor and mentee will exchange contact information.

The mentor may consider presenting the mentee with a gift at induction.

The mentor contacts the mentee and plans a time within 30 days of induction to have a meal

together for the purpose of bonding and building friendship.

The mentor sets up a second meeting time to discuss and review chapter responsibilities and

general chapter information ( June –July ).Topics of discussion may include:


chapter by-laws

facet and standing committee assignment

hostess responsibilities

chapter financial assessments

Links Incorporated conferences

The pair intentionally plans activities for fellowship, support and Linkdom education .

The mentor initiates and maintains regular connection by phone, email, text, twitter, and

Facebook outside chapter meetings.

The mentor plans to meet quarterly during the first year, engaging in friendship and

relational activities such celebrations (i.e. birthdays, promotions etc).

The mentor initiates a get-together for the connecting and/or heir-o-links in conjunction with

the social committee.

The mentor and mentee may make plans to attend Link meetings together(area, leadership,

national assembly).

We recommend that the chapter hold a mentor/mentee “check in” meeting to make sure the program

is working as intended within 90 days of induction. This meeting can be conducted by conference

call.

MENTEE RESPONSIBILITIES CHECKLIST

The mentee has a responsibility to learn all she can about her mentor, the chapter history and

Linkdom in general.

The mentee is encouraged to:

Respond to the efforts of the mentor.

Pursue and inquire about what she does not understand.

Do her best to learn the history of the chapter.

Engage former members individually to foster friendship.

Attend all meetings, friendship activities, and events.

Ask for help.

Remain flexible.

Listen actively and show respect to the mentor.

Demonstrate patience.

Participate with positive attitude.

Works as a team player.

Keep the door open for advice in a future.

For assistance using this tool please contact Link Elaine Beattie [email protected]


ROADMAP FOR ON-BOARDING

NEW AND TRANSFER MEMBERS

This tool is a roadmap for Chapter Organizational Effectiveness Chairs and is designed to build

chapter engagement and cultivate friendship with Sister Links in the Chapter.

Our goal is fully acculturate new members and transferring members into the positive culture of a

Chapter.

Building the Foundation - occurs prior to the induction

Partner with the Membership committee (pre-engagement)

Be knowledgeable of the Links Membership orientation process and activities.

Establish a notification process to assure that information about new and transfer members is

received and communicated in a timely fashion with the entire Chapter membership.

Tip: This will require coordination and communication with the VP of membership and or

membership committee.

Pre-Engagement – occurs throughout the orientation process

Create and utilize bonding activities designed to foster friendship and strengthen

relationships (i.e. Candy game ice breaker)

Be sensitive to ways to help new and transfer members fit into the informal, as well as formal

networks and information channels of the local chapter. Example would be intergenerational

dynamics and methods of communication.

Assess the new and transfer member’s need for history, context, how-to information,

procedures, etc. and provide that information to help acclimate into the local chapter. For

example, we asked our Chapter Archives committee to construct museum style/exhibits to

showcase the history and accomplishments of the Chapter. This will build excitement and

create a sense of impact for new and transfer members, and re-engage current members as

well.

Tip: Utilize the Service Project to plant the seed regarding the second pillar of Linkdom –

Friendship


On-Boarding - occurs after induction

Share Chapter event calendar and resources.

Coordinate with mentors assigned to new and transfer members to ensure that they are

welcomed and ready to participate.

Provide guidance and resources to assigned mentors on how to build excitement and create a

sense of impact for the new and transfer members.

Tip: This will require working in tandem with the mentoring process

Teambuilding and Integration – continuous effort

Organizational Effectiveness Chair will facilitate:

Communicates regularly with new and transfer members to ensure that they are engaged and

excited about Linkdom.

Reinforce the importance of friendship, civility and our shared sense of service.

Suggest and or coordinate opportunities for new and transfer members to be utilized. The

Service Project is an opportunity for inductees to present their skills.

Communicate the new and transfer member value to chapter accomplishment.

Encourage new and transfer members to provide insight into how to make the chapter more

effective and efficient. Recommend an evaluation/feedback process.

Encourage Own your experience – be available and be willing!

Tip: Utilize the OE Tool Kit; best practices for building friendship and bonding activity ideas

For assistance using this tool please contact Link Abra Lattany-Reed

[email protected]


RETREAT BASICS

Welcome to the Southern Area Chapter Retreat Handbook! The Organizational Effectiveness Team

is excited that your Chapter will embark on the important journey of facilitating a retreat designed

to promote vision, sustain programming and foster invaluable friendships. This tool is designed to

guide each chapter thru the process of creating the most effective retreat for your membership. It is

divided into sections that address purpose, location, facilitating and evaluation.

WHY SHOULD YOU HAVE A RETREAT?

Before you begin planning your retreat there are many questions and considerations to discuss that

will assist in accomplishing the goals developed for your chapters retreat.

What is a retreat?

A retreat is a meeting that is designed and organized to facilitate the ability of your chapter to step

away from the traditional business, committee and programming setting for an extended period of

concentrated discussion, dialogue and strategic thinking about the chapter’s future and/or specific

issues.

Why hold a retreat?

There are many reasons for planning a chapter retreat. Some common uses for retreats are:

Yearly Program Planning

Chapter Team Building

Strategic Planning

Problem solving

Discussion of specific issues or challenges

Friendship building

Orientation of new members

When should a retreat be held?

Timing will provide the best outcome to see the work of the retreat in action.

At the beginning of the programing year?

At the end of the programing year

Before or after new officers transition

After new member intake

Where should the retreat be held?

It is very important to consider the flexibility of your membership to best reach the majority of

members, thus assuring high attendance.

Local venue – conference room setting

Local venue – outdoor activities available

Out of town experience


How long should the retreat be?

Several hours

Half day

Whole day

Entire weekend

Who should outline the goals and logistics for the retreat?

The appointed retreat committee

The Executive Board

The Chapter President

The Organizational Effectiveness and Program Chairs.

Who should participate?

Chapter membership only

Resource persons

Workshop presenters

Alumnae members

Who should facilitate the retreat?

Chapter members/officers who feel comfortable doing so and are qualified to lead a group.

Area/National officers or committee members willing to lend their expertise.

Organizational Effectiveness Chairs/Program Chairs outside of host chapter.

Resource persons (if applicable)

What are your intended outcomes for the retreat?

To set organizational goals

To provide information and/or workshop sessions to help improve the skills and knowledge of

the Links Incorporated to chapter members.

To motivate members for the upcoming program year.

To evaluate the progress of long and short term goals and objectives.

To introduce new members to each other and the organization.

To increase morale and strengthen the team building aspect of the chapter.

To resolve conflicts

To get away and have fun!

PLANNING YOUR RETREAT: A STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS

It is important to consider the planning process of your retreat. Early planning is the key to

avoid minor mistakes and time to create an excellent retreat.

Determine the goals you wish to accomplish along with hopeful outcomes.

Decide how long your retreat will be.

With your members input, determine when and where your retreat will be. Make reservations at

the designated location and inform members early of the date, location and time to ensure full

participation.

Create a budget for the retreat.


Agendas are important as they keep everyone on track for the entirety of the retreat. Printed

times for each activity is optional.

Contact any presenters and others speakers you wish to participate.

Choose and plan specific activities.

Secure all needed supplies and AV equipment needed.

Arrange any food and accommodation arrangements depending on the length of stay.

Once all arrangements are finalized, provide each member with all details highlighting any

specifics.

One week prior to your retreat, confirm an RSVP count of all participants.

Create an evaluation form for members to complete once the retreat is over. This is vital

information for future retreats.

Post-Retreat Tasks

Finalize all financial obligations

Compile Evaluations

Send thank you notes

Post retreat committee meeting to reflect on items that were discussed in preparation for a final

business meeting report and for future retreat planning. Don’t be afraid to grade yourself.

WHAT TO DO AT YOUR RETREAT

Introductions

Providing a comfortable environment sets the tone for a retreat that is fun, and full of enthusiasm.

Reintroducing ourselves thru icebreakers provide opportunities to learn new things about one another.

Provide Opening Remarks

The committee, president or facilitator should provide opening remarks regarding the retreat. This

should include the goals and purpose of the retreat, benefits, the agenda, ground rules, expectations

and logistics.

Agenda

Important attention should be given to the agenda. Each agenda should allow flexibility if needed on

any given item however managing time strengthens the success of reaching your goals. A strong

facilitator should be mindful of the clock and not hesitate to keep the retreat moving remembering

however the art of flexibility as extra discussion may be needed from time to time.

“Together we reach beyond our expectations”

Team building is essential in any group effort. Activities to strengthen this will provide a strong

foundation for your chapter. This reinforces your “friendship” bond and ultimately provides the best

tools for programming.

Informational Sessions

If your retreat has decided to include workshops or informational sessions it is important that members

are in agreement with the topics being discussed. Remember this is time that we have taken to show

extra attention to a given area of interest/concern.


Note Taker

A designate note taker for each session and activity will provide important information as you capture

the discussions and ideas throughout the retreat. This will be helpful to provide to members unable to

attend and information to help Facets plan for future programing.

Reflection

As a conclusion to the retreat, you would want to have some form of reflection with the whole group

to allow feedback of all the activities. This can be done in many ways, small group discussions, filling

out surveys, individual speaking or other ways that best fit your Chapter.

Clean up – Your First Team Building Task

Now that everyone is renewed and bonded the cleanup aspect should involve every attendee. Find a

fun game so not to belabor the process and laugh your way through it!

For assistance using this tool please contact Link Cathy Bradford at [email protected]

or

Link Margaret Z. Alexander at [email protected].


HANDLING CONFLICT IN THE CHAPTER

Conflict is a natural by-product of intelligent creative women working together.

The critical issue is how we handle conflict. Most conflicts can be handled with a

carefully executed crucial conversation. A crucial conversation is a discussion

between two or more people where stakes are high, opinions vary and emotions

run strong.

The suggestions below are adapted from the book, Crucial Conversations by Kerry

Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan and Al Switzler.

If care is taken to design the crucial conversation with attention given to the elements below, the

Chapter has a greater likelihood of achieving a win-win outcome. Please note, however, not all

conversations will end with the desired result and the Chapter may be forced to escalate action

beyond a conversation.

1. Get focused with a heart check. Skilled people begin high-risk discussions with the right

motives, they know what they want and they stay focused. Clearly define the issue and ask

yourself these questions:

a. What do I really want for myself?

b. What do I really want for our Chapter?

c. What do I really want for the relationship with my Link sister?

d. How would I behave if I really wanted these results?

2. Decide on the players. a. Who needs to lead the conversation?

b. Who needs to be present?

c. Does the situation require Executive Board action?

3. Craft your strategy for entering into dialogue. Dialogue is a process for getting all relevant

meaning into a shared pool. This means hearing all sides and creating an environment where

everyone feels safe to express their opinions and tell their stories. Decide if you need to role play

and rehearse before beginning the actual conversation and use four powerful listening tools that

can help make it safe for other people to speak frankly. These four skills are called power

listening tools because they are best remembered with the acronym AMPP — Ask, Mirror,

Paraphrase and Prime. a. Ask to get things rolling. Start by simply expressing interest in the other person’s views. Ask,

“how do you see this situation?”

b. Mirror to confirm feelings. Increase safety by respectfully acknowledging the emotions people

appear to be feeling.

c. Paraphrase to acknowledge the story. As others begin to share part of their story, restate what

you’ve heard to show not just that you understand, but also that it’s safe for them to share what

they’re thinking.

d. Prime when you’re getting nowhere. If others continue to hold back, prime. Take your best

guess at what they may be thinking and feeling. As an example, say something like, “I guess you

must be pretty anger about…”


4. STATE your path. STATE is an acronym for tools that help you explain the situation as you

see it and to open the door for others to share their perspective.

a. Share your facts. Start with the least controversial, most persuasive elements of the

situation. This is not the place for opinions. Just the facts as you see them.

b. Tell your story. As a result of observing or experiencing the facts as stated above,

explain what you’re beginning to conclude, how you feel or the impact on others in the

Chapter.

c. Ask to learn the other person’s perspective. Encourage others to share both their facts

and their conclusions.

d. Talk tentatively. State your story as your perspective. — don’t disguise it as a fact.

Don’t use an accusatory tone.

e. Encourage testing. Make it safe for others to express differing or even opposing views.

Start with an attitude of curiosity and patience. This helps restore safety.

5. Make It Safe. When people feel attacked they move to silence or violence. To rebuild mutual

respect and mutual purpose use Contrasting during the conversation. Contrasting is a don’t/do

statement that addresses others’ concerns that you don’t respect them or that you have a

malicious purpose (the don’t part) and confirms your respect or clarifies your real purpose (the

do part). Example: “I don’t mean to sound condescending. However, I do feel the need to make

sure we all understand the specific facts of this situation.”

6. Learn to Look. As people begin to feel unsafe in a conversation, they start down one of two

unhealthy paths. They move either to silence (shutting down and withholding meaning from the

pool) or to violence (getting defensive and trying to force meaning in the pool).

a. Learn to watch for the conversation falling into either silence or violence.

b. Address the specific behavior not the person.

c. Remind everyone of the purpose of the conversation and maintain their self-esteem

7. Move to Action. Reach a conclusion about what will be different and convert the ideas into

specific actions. Be specific about what needs to change and the next steps to be taken. Use

deadlines, if appropriate and assign accountability.

For assistance using this tool please contact Link Faye Hargrove at [email protected].


BEST PRACTICES FOR BUILDING

FRIENDSHIPS IN THE CHAPTER

Allow time for socializing prior to starting the chapter meeting. Planning the meeting

agenda to have a few minutes for Link sisters to greet each other contributes to a warm and

congenial environment.

Provide time for Link sisters to announce personal good news. It’s a good practice to allow

the announcements of personal news: new grandbabies, graduations, weddings, etc. It helps to

know that others care about your good news.

Publish and Distribute Chapter Newsletter. The Chapter Newsletter should have pertinent

information about the business of the chapter. A newsletter promotes transparency which helps

to permeate a positive feeling tone.

Friendship Activity Each Month. Making Friendship special each month, not just in

November, builds friendly relationships. The activities each month could be very short but

designed to give opportunities for Link sisters to interact and bond. The activity in November

to celebrate Friendship Month could be more involved but have the same goals.

Example Friendship Activity: The Candy Ice Breaker

1. Get a variety of different types of candy

2. Ask everyone to choose 2 or 3 of their from the dish, depending on size of the group

3. Assign each type of candy a particular question

4. Based on the candy they choose, then they have to answer the question associated with that

particular candy.

5. The questions can be a variety that you can make up (depending on what you are trying to

achieve with the group)

Examples:

favorite hobby, dream job, dream vacation, most memorable or embarrassing moment, favorite

dish, favorite television show, achievements, goals, if you could change your name what would

it be & why, favorite place to travel

Even though this is an introduction game, you can adjust it to help you achieve what you are

trying to accomplish with the group.


Special Activities throughout the year—Member Meet Ups.

Scheduling opportunities throughout the year for a small group activity helps to build

friendships. Activities such as going to the movies, painting parties, wine sips, etc. held in

various parts of the community allow small groups to interact and enjoy each other.

Check- in meetings with new Links.

It’s important to help new Links understand the culture of the organization and to develop new

friends within the chapter. It helps periodically to check in with the new Links to ascertain how

they are doing, answer questions, and provide assistance when needed. These check-in meetings

could be planned by the Membership Chair and attended by the new Links, their mentors,

Chapter president and chapter officers (periodically).

Spend quality time with new members (members returning to the chapter/transfers into

the chapter).

New and returning members to the chapter are very appreciative to spend some quality time

with the President and/or Membership Chair to be updated with the Chapter news. This could

be done over lunch or early dinner at a restaurant or a small gathering in a home. The new

members would feel better having some idea about how the chapter has changed or

understanding how the chapter differs from their former chapter. This is also a great time for

them to choose their facets and committees to serve on for community service. A positive

climate is established and that helps to build friendship.

Use the Links Incorporated Service Delivery Model to define Friendship in the context of your

Chapter (6 elements: Situation, Inputs, Outputs, Outcomes, External Factors, Assumptions)

Include Friendship in your Chapter’s Strategic Plan.

Recognize and reward Friendship efforts and immediately address situations that threaten

Friendship in the Chapter.

Do a Friendship check-up. Ask yourselves, “How are we doing as a Chapter? Are we friends?”

Evaluate your status and make the necessary corrections/adjustments. You can do this with the

Chapter survey.

Be a friend. Each member of the Chapter examines herself with the question “Am I a good

friend?” and makes the necessary internal changes so that the answer is “Yes, I am!”

For assistance using this tool please contact Link Angelia J. Fryer

[email protected]


CHAPTER CLIMATE SURVEY

Chapter surveys are a useful tool for assessing the perceptions of chapter members. Administer

the survey at the beginning of the program year and again at a later designated time to measure

friendship outcomes. A Chapter survey can be beneficial by identifying immediate needs but

also in planning for the future needs by gauging members opinions.

HOW TO

CREATE A

SURVEY

USING

SURVEY

MONKEY

Developed by the Southern Area

Organizational Effectiveness Team


CREATE SURVEY 1. Select “Create a New Survey From Scratch”

2. Enter a Title for the Survey

3. Click Create Survey Button

4. To change the look of your survey, select a theme

5. Click on “Add Questions Here” Button

6. Continue to add questions by clicking the “Add Questions Here” Button

CREATE NEW

SURVEY

SELECT

CREATE

NEW

SURVEY

SELECT

CATEGORY

TYPE IN

SURVEY

TITLE


GETTING STARTED 1. Create Account

Log-on to Survey Monkey at

http://www.surveymonkey.com

Type in the login information

Username –

Password –

Click Log In Now

Click on “Create Survey” Tab.

THEME COLOR

SELECT

THEME

COLOR

http://www.surveymonkey.com/


SURVEY FORMAT

1. Choose a Display Format

2. Type the Question Text

3. Type the Answer Choices

4. Click Check Spelling to review the spelling

of the answer

5. Click Save Changes

TYPE OF QUESTIONS 1. Choose a Question Type from the drop down list

A. Essay

B. Matrix

C. Multiple-choice

D. One Answer

2. Select the question type by clicking on it

3. To create a scale question use the Matrix of choices

(One Answer Per Row)” option:

4. Type the answer options in the box below. One choice


SELECT TYPE O

TYPE OF QUESTION

SELECT TYPE

OF QUESTION

TYPE

ANSWER

CHOICES

ONE PER

LINE

EDITING A SURVEY

Survey questions can be moved, edited or

deleted by selecting the appropriate button:

A. Copy

B. Delete

C. Edit Question

D. Move


ADD OR EDIT QUESTION

SELECT

ADD OR

EDIT

QUESTION

COLLECT

RESPONSES

1. Responses can be collected in three ways

A. Create a link to send in an email

message or to place on a website

B. Upload emails and send the survey

invitation via survey monkey

C. Create a popup invitation for website.


COLLECT RESPONSES

Once Survey is complete and deadline

has passed, the next step is to

Analyze the date that has been

collected.

ANALYZE RESPONSES

1. Click on the “Analyze Results” tab to see

survey results

2. To view open ended questions click on the

“View” button

3. Click view all pages to seen all entire survey

4. Without paying for an upgraded package the

only option available is to view results. In order

to print or download data the upgrade package


COLLECTING RESPONSES BY WEB LINK

WEBLINK WILL

AUTOMATICALLY

BE GENERATED

COLLECTING RESPONSE BY EMAIL

SEND TO

EMAIL

ADDRESSES


ANALYZING DATA

SELECT ANALYZE

RESULTS TAB TO

SEE

AUTOMATICALLY

GENERATED

RESULTS

SURVEY MONKEY PRICING


Example Chapter Climate Survey

Explanation: This an example of a survey that can be used by the chapter. Items can be added or deleted, as

necessary.

INSTRUCTIONS Your open and honest responses are needed to provide information for decisions affecting your Chapter. Read each statement below and mark the appropriate box. Please be as open and honest

as possible.

The survey is anonymous. You will not be identified in any way.

Only group statistics will be reported.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND COOPERATION!

Please tell us something about yourself. (check all that apply)

How many years have you been a member of this Chapter of

The Links, Inc.? (check one)

I am a(n) member.

< 1-5 6-15 16-25 26-35 over 35

Active Platinum

Alumna Provisory DOL

To what extent do you agree or disagree with

the following statements about you and/or your

Chapter? (Please check the appropriate box)

Totally

Agree

Agree

No

Opinion

Disagree

Strongl

y

disagree

1. If called upon today, I can explain the history of The Links, Inc. and historical detailed facts about my chapter to new members and to the general public.

2. There is a genuine shared friendship among most members of my Chapter.

3. My input, recommendations, questions, and commentary, is valued at chapter meetings.

4. Our Chapter meetings are free from unprofessional/unfriendly behavior.

5. Interpersonal problems are handled correctly in this Chapter.

6. I feel that the Chapter leadership team will use the information from this survey to improve the Chapter.

7. I trust Chapter leadership to handle complaints, problems, or issues seriously.


Totally

Agree

Agree

No

Opinion

Disagree

Strongly disagree 1. I experience a high level of stress in Chapter

meetings

2. I feel like a valued member of this Chapter.

3. Our Chapter programs are significantly impacting the community

4. I am treated with dignity and respect by members of our Chapter’s leadership team.

5. I am treated with dignity and respect by other Chapter members.

6. All sister Links receive the same level of respect from leadership in this Chapter.

7. Our newest members are treated as valued members of the Chapter.

8. Alumna members are treated as valued members of the Chapter.

9. I am serving my Chapter in line with my gifts and talent.

10. We give equal focus to friendship and service in our Chapter.

11. We have a good mentoring program for new members.

12. I have an ongoing relationship with my mentor in the Chapter.

13. The current level of morale in this Chapter high.

14. Our leaders effectively deal with conflicts or tension within the Chapter.

15. I have witnessed incidents where a member of the Chapter acted disrespectfully to another sister Link.

16. I have witnessed recent examples of favoritism or discrimination in the Chapter.

Very High

High

Neutral

Low

Very Low

17. How would you characterize the morale in the Chapter?

18. What level of conflict/stress are you currently experiencing in your role in this Chapter?

None

Slight Moderate High Very High


Yes No

1. I have held at least one office or chaired at

least one committee/facet in my Chapter.

2. I currently serve on at least one

committee/facet in our Chapter.

3. In your opinion, what Chapter climate

issue does this unit most need to

improve?

4. Do you have suggestions you would like

to make to improve the Chapter?

5. Do you have any other comments you

would like to make regarding your

experiences with this Chapter that have not

been addressed?

Thank you for taking the time to assist us with this survey.

For assistance using this tool please contact Link Katrina Young

[email protected]

or

Link Faye Hargrove

[email protected]


ORGANIZATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS

RESOURCES

The resources listed below provide a range of sources of inspiration, encouragement,

direction, and support to any Link or Link Chapter members seeking spiritual nourishment,

wanting mood adjustment, needing to be invigorated, or wishing to be revitalized. The

materials shared are samples, however participation and usage of such resources or others

help support the goals of Organizational Effectiveness. The Southern Area Organizational

Effectiveness Committee welcomes new resource recommendations that may either be one

of your favorites or ones you vouch for as successful and quality. We hope you find them

rewarding.

BOOKS

1. Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High by Kerry Patterson,

Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High discusses how to handle

disagreements and high-stakes communication. It is written on the premise that when you are

stuck in any situation–whether it’s at home or work–there is a crucial conversation keeping

you from accomplishing the desired results. If you can learn to speak up in these crucial

moments effectively, then you can accomplish the results you are after.

2. Get Everyone in Your Boat, Rowing in the Same Direction by Bob Boylan

Learning to lead others is the critical skill for today's managers. Every day, you are challenged

to lead -- to get others to work at your direction towards your organization's goals. Get

Everyone in Your Boat Rowing in the Same Direction offers proven, easily understood, step-

by-step instruction in how to get others to follow you. Whether you have to lead, hope to

lead, or need to create change in your organization, the advice it offers is invaluable. This

book is a short read with a lot of good information on leadership and group dynamics.

3. Daily Reflections For Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey.

This book has helped millions of readers attain professional success and personal fulfillment.

It reveals a pathway for living with fairness, integrity, honesty, and human dignity --

principles that give us the security to adapt to change and the wisdom and power to take

advantage of the opportunities that change creates. Provides an inspirational recharge that

will bring you closer to a holistic sense of personal effectiveness and purpose.

4. BETTER CHOICES: When we know better we do better by Faye Hargrove

This program, created by our own sister Link, has been frequently used in Chapter workshops

and retreats to help members move past their histories to build lasting and rewarding


relationships. Each chapter begins with a delightful metaphor that is a discussion between

Mable and her granddaughter, Sonja. The book is accompanied by a pair of CD’s that take

the reader on a journey of renewal by letting go of the stored negative emotions that we

experience as “baggage.” The author then guides you through the process of mind mapping

your future and setting SMART goals. Finally, the four-week journal at the end of the book

helps you to notice how your fresh perspective is infiltrating your daily activities.

www.betterchoicesbook.com.

4. Winning with People by John C. Maxwell

Ask the successful CEOs of major corporations, entrepreneurs, top salespeople, and pastors

what characteristic is most needed for success in leadership positions, and they'll tell you-it's

the ability to work with people. This book helps you attain those skills.

5. Thinking, Fast and Slow – by Daniel Kahneman

This author explains in simple prose how our thinking is divided in two systems: one fast and

one slow. The fast one consists of the instincts that govern emotions. The slow one is

deliberate, self-reflexive and logical, but can easily be distracted and takes a lot of

effort. Packed with mind blowing examples and sharp analyses, this book teaches you how

to learn to make sound judgments, and use the best of both systems.

6. The Power of Now–by Eckhart Tolle

This book has inspired millions of people all over the world to live a more fulfilling and

compassionate life, all through the practice of mindfulness. Mindfulness consists of moment

to moment non-judgmental awareness. It is a technique that alleviates depression, increases

emotional intelligence and develops compassion.

7.Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It – by Kamal Ravikant

The fundamental ground upon which all true self-improvement is build is called self-love.

Because in the end, no matter which way you turn, if you don’t love yourself,

you will sabotage yourself . You will think that, for some reason or another, you are not

worthy. This is about how you approach yourself every day; this is what you see when you

look in the mirror.

8 .“You Can Change Your Life… Any Time You Want: An Inspirational Guide to

Success” by Robin Sieger

Robin Sieger is an amazing person that has gone through a total transformation of his life. He

conquered all the challenges life had thrown at him and achieved everything he wished for.

In this self-growth book, he completely discloses everything he learned from his experiences.

He has a very authoritative way of encouraging you to take action towards your goals.

9. The Alchemist – by Paulo Coelho

http://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Fast-Slow-Daniel-Kahneman/dp/0374533555/&tag=highexis-20

http://www.amazon.com/Power-Now-Guide-Spiritual-Enlightenment/dp/1577314808/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1383602675&sr=1-1&keywords=power+of+now/&tag=highexis-20

http://www.amazon.com/Love-Yourself-Like-Your-Depends/dp/1478121734/ref=tmm_pap_title_0/&tag=highexis-20

http://amzn.to/day7z8

http://amzn.to/day7z8


This allegorical novel is an inspirational bestselling classic which projected Coelho and his

work into the limelight. This book is the first of the genre and acts as a metaphor of life as

the narrative takes us on the journey of a shepherd boy’s quest for treasure. A must read for

anyone’s library.

10. The Power of a Woman's Words by: Sharon Jaynes

A woman's words can be used for good or evil. By choosing words that build instead of

destroy, you can encourage your spouse, children, friends, coworkers, and family. Using

examples from the Bible, Sharon Jaynes shows how women influence those around them

- positively and negatively. By learning to control the tongue, your relationships with others

will flourish!

11. FORGIVENESS: 21 Days to Forgive Everyone for Everything by Iyanla Vanzant

“Only forgiveness can liberate minds and hearts once held captive by anger, bitterness,

resentment, and fear. Forgiveness is a true path to freedom that can renew faith, build trust,

and nourish the soul.”

—Iyanla

Today, too many of us stay stuck in stagnant intimate, family, or workplace relationships,

imprisoned by memories of what others have done to us or not done for us. Iyanla helps us

see how we are weighed down by toxic thoughts and emotions, we are quick to judge, self-

righteous about what we feel, and slow to pardon.

12. The Power of Positive Thinking – by Norman Vincent Peale

Written by the champion of positive thinking, this inspirational book helped spark a whole

new genre of self-help philosophy.

13. The Road Less Traveled –by M. Scott Peck

Self- understanding, fulfillment and spiritual growth are the order of the day for this

classic. Starting with the words ’Life is difficult’ this book takes you on a profound journey

of self-help.

14. Long Walk to Freedom – by Nelson Mandela

This remarkable book is the autobiography of the former South African President’s life

including his 27 years in prison under the apartheid regime. Incredible and powerful reading.

15. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings – by Maya Angelou

This hugely influential and inspirational autobiography about the early years of African-

American writer and poet Maya Angelou describes the struggles she endures from an early

age and her passage into growing into a young woman. The book also instills a powerful

sense of hope in the reader.

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/search?author=Sharon%252520Jaynes&detailed_search=1&action=Search


16. How to Win Friends and Influence People - by Dale Carnegie

This book put self-help on the map. One of the first of its kind this book was hugely influential

in shaping the self-help genre. The advice given in this book is solid and just as relevant today

as it was when it was first published, and that is why it is one of the best known motivational

and inspirational books in history.

17. Chicken Soup for the Soul – by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen

Now a series of inspirational books, Chicken Soup for the Soul is a brilliant collection of

inspirational stories for the dark times in your life. Brought to you by two of America’s

inspirational speakers; heartwarming and motivational stories don’t get much better than this.

FREE APPS/ WEBSITES

GOAL SETTING

1. Beeminder

Beeminder is a goal-tracking with teeth. Mind anything you can graph - weight, pushups, to-

do tasks completed - by replying with data when Beeminder prompts you.We plot your

progress on a Yellow Brick Road to your goal. Keep all your datapoints on the road and

Beeminder will always be free.

2. Sociidot

Create the life you really want to be living. Sociidot is the app for visualizing the life you

want. It lets you set up your most important goals as roadmaps, break them down into

achievable pieces, and get them done. Turn your big important goal into a Sociidot roadmap

and fill it with dots (tiny action items). Simply do one dot at a time, then connect the dots to

make your roadmap come to life. Sociidot is a life coach in your pocket, helping you visualize

your dreams in a way that is practical and inspiring.

EXERCISE YOUR MIND

Lumosity (free): Online brain training exercises that can improve your memory, attention,

flexibility, problem solving, and speed.

RELAX AND REDUCE STRESS

Headspace (free): An app with daily guided meditations to help you relax, increase creativity,

reduce distraction, and more.

PROBLEM SOLVING

http://lumosity.com/

http://www.getsomeheadspace.com/


Unstuck (free): An app that helps you resolve problems, get motivated, or deal with

other “stuck” moments. You get tips, advice from other users, and digital coaching.

GAMES

1. DEALING WITH FEELINGS CARD GAME

This colorful and fun card game is an effective way to engage in play therapy.

Eighteen different emotions are illustrated, including Happy, Sad, Angry, Proud,

Frightened, Safe, Ashamed, Embarrassed, etc. Use with individuals, families and

groups to help children and adults identify and gain better understanding of their

feelings.

2. THE DISCUSS THIS! GAME - THE TALKING TOOL

This exceptionally versatile game can be used in numerous ways to facilitate:

discussion; exchange ideas; examine issues; develop skills; It allows the user to have

complete control over content and for players to feel it is totally relevant to them. The

main activity of the game is around conversation or storytelling. This is an ideal way

to encourage involvement and independent thinking about any aspect of life,

environment or activity.

3. THE INSIGHT STORY CARD SET

Everyday Symbol Cards for Personal Exploration

An exquisite card set of symbolic images for personal reflection and insight.

The Insight Story Card and Book Set is a wondrous deck of 88 symbolic images that

can be used for personal insight and self-awareness.

4. A HELPING HAND CARD GAME (GROUP GAME)

This is an interactive game which addresses self-esteem, positive lifestyle, coping

skills, and relationships. Participants take turns requesting and offering feedback in

four areas: Self-Esteem, Positive Lifestyle, Coping Skills, and Relationships.

Sample Questions: Note: All cards begin with "Can someone give me a hand with..."

Can someone give me a hand with how to cope with my fear of __________?

Can someone give me a hand with dealing with my anger toward __________?

5. LET'S TALK - SOCIAL SKILLS (CARD GAME)

A Game to Promote Social Communication!

http://www.unstuck.com/


Let's Talk Social Skills cards are designed to build stronger communication skills.

The social skills topics can be used as a warm-up exercise, or a closing game. The

cards are divided into six social skills topics:

Self-perception and knowledge

Friendships

Social responsibility and interaction

Conversational skills

Non-verbal skills

Social negotiation and flexibility

FILM

“Girl Rising” [Educational documentary]

From Academy Award-nominated director Richard E. Robbins, Girl Rising spotlights the

unforgettable stories of nine girls living in the developing world*, striving beyond

circumstance and overcoming nearly insurmountable odds to achieve their dreams.

*Cambodia, Haiti, Nepal, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Peru, Sierra Leone, and Afghanistan

PRAYER

“The National Link’s Prayer”

This prayer may be located on our national website and is an integral part of The

Links’history. The national prayer was composed by Link Betty B. Smith, Orlando

Chapter, while the Orlando chapter members experienced and worked through a period

of adversity and austerity. The Link’s Prayer, in concert with other strategies is a forceful

means to seek a negative turnaround. The national prayer was adopted at the 22nd

National Assembly.

BIBLE VERSES [regarding relationships]

Hebrews 10:24-25

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the

assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another,

and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

2 Corinthians 5:17-18

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away;

behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us

to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.

Proverbs 18:24

A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer

than a brother.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

http://www.biblestudytools.com/nkjv/hebrews/passage.aspx?q=Hebrews+10:24-25

http://www.biblestudytools.com/nkjv/2-corinthians/passage.aspx?q=2%2520Corinthians+5:17-18

http://www.biblestudytools.com/nkjv/proverbs/18-24.html

http://www.biblestudytools.com/nkjv/ecclesiastes/passage.aspx?q=Ecclesiastes+4:9-10


Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall,

one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no

one to help him up.

John 15:12-15

This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has

no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.

Mark 11:25

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your

Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. “

Matthew 6:14-15

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive

you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins

For assistance using this tool please contact Link Vicki Brooks

[email protected]

http://www.biblestudytools.com/nkjv/john/passage.aspx?q=John+15:12-15

http://www.biblestudytools.com/mark/11-25.html

http://www.biblestudytools.com/matthew/passage.aspx?q=Matthew+6:14-15

Documents

Chapter Organizational Effectiveness Toolkit