Presented by
Dr. Catherine Frank, OLLI @ Duke
Lucy Woodhouse, OLLI @ Furman
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“the process of social influence in which one
person can enlist the aid and support of
others in the accomplishment of a common
task”
“Creating a way for people to contribute to
making something extraordinary happen”
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Vision
Knowledge of the mission and structure of
the organization
Professional and personal skills suited to
further the goals of the organization
Problem-solving skills
Good social judgment
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Understanding the role of the LLI within
the university
Finding a balance between the leadership
styles and strengths of the staff director
and the board leadership
Understanding the work of the board
Tapping into the strength and wisdom of
the membership
 Host
 Staff
 Board
 Members
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In-kind support on all levels
Inclusion across departments
Intergenerational projects
Elevator speech is consistent
Benefits outweigh perceived negatives
Publicity through university channels
How to get the best from
your host…
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Get invited to meetings
Eat lunch with faculty
Suggest class ideas
Hand deliver brochures
to President’s office
Write a thank you a day
Cookies
Know key admin’s pet
projects
Bring members’
resources to campus
Spread kudos to Dean
and how NOT to…
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Assume they owe you
Become an us/them
Leave conflicts
unresolved
Stay in your office
Go over budget
Allow members direct
access to admin
Forget you are a guest
Staff
The Host
The Members
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Clear job descriptions
Clear goals updated annually
Board support
Host offers a mentor and advocate
Volunteer office support
Acknowledgement at member and host
functions
Fill their bucket
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Expertise to share
Understanding of the position of the LLI within the
university
Respect for the strength, commitment, and vision of
the staff
Commitment to the mission and membership of the
organization
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Board development committee
Board manual
Annual board recruitment drives
Make nominations and appointments part of
a process
Open meetings and discussions
Accountability
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Misunderstanding the relationship of the LLI to the
university
Misunderstanding the unique nature of the OLLI
board
Loss of focus
Failure to embrace new members and seek new
directions
Not having fun
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Feeling responsible for the success of the
organization
Enjoying the university and the role of the LLI within it
Bringing a network
Participating
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Print and interactive media
The coffee pot, the picnic, the convocation
Nametags—it’s the little things
Everyone is a marketer
Contribute what you can--every contribution
makes a positive difference
Board
Members
Host
Staff
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“Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do
something you want done because he or she wants to
do it.” Dwight Eisenhower
“The leadership instinct you are born with is the
backbone. You develop the funny bone and the
wishbone that go with it.” Elaine Agather
“A leader is best when people barely know he exists,
not so good when people obey and acclaim him, worse
when they despise him. But of a good leader who
talks little when his work is done, his aim fulfilled,
they will say: ‘We did it ourselves.’” Lao-Tzu