Current and future officers are returning from Carlson Leadership Academies to chapters across the country. Their minds are racing with new ideas and best practices. Their hearts are beating with SigEp pride. They’re ready and excited to get to work and achieve big wins for their chapters.

A common challenge they will face? Maintaining momentum over time.

As officers return from Carlson and get to work putting their plans into action, distractions of the semester, fires of the moment and realities of how difficult it can be to enact change will set in and conspire to chip away their post-Carlson momentum. I see this slump occur frequently in the weeks and months following chapter elections and retreats, and after leadership events like Carlson and Ruck. The officers and chapters that excel in sustaining their drive—or overcome the slump and regain lost momentum—are those with strong and frequent volunteer involvement.

So, how do we keep them motivated and going strong? Here are four ways I’ve seen make a difference. 

1. Ask what they learned (and how they will apply it)

The Carlson experience can be like drinking water from a fire hose—a lot of information is shared in a short amount of time. It’s important to help the chapter officer recall the specifics of what he heard and learned, and to think about how to turn the theory into action.

2. Help refine their S.M.A.R.T. goals

During Carlson, each undergraduate will begin the process of creating measurable goals for his time in office. Once back on campus, it’s not uncommon for the chapter officer to want to jump to action prior to finalizing his goals. However, without written goals it’s hard to know if the work of the chapter is on track. Work with the chapter officer to be sure he finalizes and stays focused on his S.M.A.R.T. goals.

3. Help create practical actions plans

Goals are only as successful as the effectiveness of the plans that put them into action. Help the chapter officer identify all of the individual steps necessary to achieve each of his goals. Each step in his action plan should consider what needs to be done and by when; who and what is needed to do it; obstacles; and who is accountable for completion.

4. Create accountability by following up 

Asking the right question, providing needed feedback or offering your guidance can make a big difference for your officers. Regular check-ins with written follow-up promote accountability and strengthen relationships. Schedule a recurring check-in with the chapter officer to discuss progress toward action plans and goals, and look for ways you can offer additional advice and support.

Whether through email, by phone, a face-to-face meeting, or even a mini-retreat, your engagement will make a significant difference in their Carlson follow through. I encourage you to connect with your undergraduate officers and members soon after they return from Carlson. Schedule time to talk. Ask open-ended questions. Let them know you’re available and proactively check-in. Help them maintain that hard-earned drive. If you need help, you can take advantage of the resources at www.sigep.org, and you can always call your regional director and district governor.

Volunteers, you’re on.

Marcus P. Robinson is a longtime volunteer and is a regular facilitator at EGDE, Carlson Leadership Academy, Life After College and the Ruck Leadership Institute. He can be reached at marcusprobinson@gmail.com.

Story originally published February 2015. Revised and republished January 2016.