What role does a sorority play in contemporary life?

 

It is a pivotal experience during our formative years — outside the auspices of parental oversight. Our first in-person social network. Our first strategic circle of influence.

 

A sorority is ground zero – where you test drive and develop the core personal skills that you will use in every age and stage of your life. It shapes how we operate with other people and work together to achieve a common goal.

 

It offers a safe space where you can learn, grow and make mistakes – without worrying about a job performance review. A pre-internship, if you will, with very fun social benefits. In fact, you can package your sorority activities and achievements as a job position on a get-started, early-career resume.

 

A productive sorority experience can help you monetize your investment in a college education and catapult you into a successful career launch.

 

But most of all, you get to experience the synergy of group dynamics. The advantage of knowledge and insights beyond your own. The efficiencies and high value of being in a strategic structure to help you accomplish something that is important to you.

 

In sorority recruitment, you target an organization that seems compatible with your values and interests. You have to present yourself to be considered by others. You are not being chosen for your athletic skills or artistic talents. It’s just you. Who you are in your own skin. How you comport yourself. Your attitude and personality.

 

Yes, you are being judged. But it’s a process that is repeated and a competency that you must possess as you are being evaluated for your “soft skills” – in addition to your functional capabilities — for any career slot you will ever pursue. Are you open and friendly? Do you convey a positive attitude? A desire to learn? Energy and enthusiasm? Are you able to motivate others? Do you fit the culture? Is it the right fit for you?

 

In a sorority, you have to create something from nothing – every year. It is a self-funding enterprise. You build a budget and develop a schedule of programs and activities. Create an opportunity. Solve a problem. It’s an adventure! And a critical capability that comes into play throughout your life, whether you are an entrepreneur or part of a large organization. Or running a family.

 

When you are asked to lead a sorority initiative, you have to morph a managerial style on the spot. You draw upon your innate strengths and instincts. You get to develop your talents and identify where you shine and what you do best. You might identify a competency, but maybe you discover it’s something you don’t enjoy doing. That’s OK. This is how you begin to curate your life!

 

You commit to the group. You show up in person. You learn the advantages of collaboration and teamwork. You build relationships. You deliver success and results. You build trust and friendship and loyalty. Together. When you have challenges and disappointments, you are not alone. You learn how to plan, how to make it easy and enjoyable for others to work with you.

 

This is a fantastic foundation of experience that you will use and refine for everything you pursue in the future. You identify women whom you admire and seek to emulate. In a sorority, you have a broad selection of role models.

 

But, to me, the best takeaway is the group dynamic – a powerful proposition that we can replicate in other areas of our personal and professional lives. Every woman needs a tribe. Or two or three! When you pick the right groups, it helps you to be focused, not fragmented.

 

And it’s not just socializing. A strategic circle of influence fosters a shared exchange of valuable information and connections for purposes of career advancement, parenting, home management, medical care, travel. Every area of our lives. It gives us the empowerment to gain an important advantage as we navigate all the experiences and changes in any stage of life. It contributes to our well-being.

 

Your circles of influence will grow and evolve and there will be overlaps – with you at the center – and that delivers a sense of confidence and comfort.

 

Life is difficult and being a solo operator is a risky proposition in today’s world. In a group, we are never alone. We advance through life surrounded, supported and protected by the power of our valued relationships.

 

It all starts at Alpha Sigma Alpha.