LUNCH WITH DR. ESSEX "Effective Leadership"
by Marie Jackson

If you missed the Clubs and Organizations Luncheon Friday, September 19, 2003 you missed a treat. I attended the luncheon as a reporter for The Southwest Source, along with many other clubs.  Although it was not open to every student at Southwest Tennessee Community College, due to the amount of space, it proved that participating is Southwest Clubs do have rewards.

On top of having the Student Jazz Band bring the luncheon in with some wonderful songs, the Southwest Singers (Southwest Tennessee Gospel Choir) did an excellent job representing us. Mrs. Carla Palmore, President of SGA, welcomed us all and made us feel at home. Mr. Phoenix Worthy and Mrs. Pam Powell came behind her and we all introduced ourselves to one another. Following them, Mrs. Lori Grimmett, Club Representative of SGA came with the Club Presentations. Pam and Phoenix approached the podium once again and gave out prizes. Congratulations to the two students who won a Southwest folder with the embroidery on the front and a Southwest sweatshirt with the mascot on the front. In the meantime, we had a wonderful lunch while Dr. Essex bestowed us with his knowledge of success.

Effective Leadership was the message. I can’t give you all the knowledge he gave us, but I will give you enough for you to think about becoming a good leader.

“The most important element in establishing a happy prosperous atmosphere was an insistence upon open, free, and honest communications up and down the ranks of our management structure. Leaders create environments in which people want to give their maximum efforts.”
                                                                      --Harold Geneen, ITT

“Your job gives you authority. Your behavior earns you respect,”
                             --Felix Frankfuther, U.S. Supreme Court Justice

 “The first basic ingredient of leadership is a guiding vision,”
                                                                         --Dr. Nathan Essex

Finally, Dr. Essex gave two important formulas to all leaders…

"L=f(L,FS) Leadership=followers (Leading, follows success)"

"Begin with a dream; divide it by the problems and conquer them one by one--multiplied by the exciting possibilities in your mind. Then subtract all negative thoughts to get started now--add enthusiasm. Once done, you will attain your goal."