"Leadership is more than service, it
is enabling others to be
more productive"

Congratulations on taking your first step to becoming a Certified Guiding Lion! This course is designed to prepare you to guide a new club through its first two years. After successfully completing this course, you will become a Certified Guiding Lion - new club officers will look to you for training and guidance to further build their clubs, and you will be a valuable resource for your district for years to come. As a Certified Guiding Lion, you should work closely and in cooperation with your District Governor, District Extension Chairman, District Orientation Team, the sponsoring club, and the new club.

The Certified Guiding Lion Program was developed to strengthen the support provided by the Guiding Lion to:

1. Improve retention of new club members
2. Improve orientation of new club officers and members
3. Improve the assimilation of the new club membership into the Lions structure
4. Improve the relationship between the sponsoring club and the new club
5. Improve the support system of advisors over a longer period of time
6. Improve the knowledge level of the Guiding Lion

How is a Certified Guiding Lion Different Than a Guiding Lion?

As with the traditional Guiding Lion Program, "Certified" Guiding Lions are also appointed by the district governor, with the advice of the president of the sponsoring club and the district extension chairman. However; this valued leader has successfully completed this course giving him or her the training and skills critical to the development of a new club. Certified Guiding Lions will be asked to serve the new club for TWO YEARS INSTEAD OF ONE. It is recommended that each new Lions Club obtain the support of TWO GUIDING LIONS and that these Lions become "Certified" before they begin their term or within 90 days of the new club's charter approval date.

Skills of a Successful Guiding Lion

Administrator. Motivator. Team Builder. Communicator. Listener. A successful Guiding Lion needs to be many things. Some of these skills may come naturally to you; some of them you may need to fully develop. Building these skills will not only help you with your responsibilities, but they will also help you personally and professionally.

Motivator: Attitude is infectious. Motivate new members by being positive. Inspire them even further by helping them realize the responsibilities, benefits and satisfaction that come from Lions membership. Instilling pride is a great way to keep members responsible and committed to their club.

Trainer: A big part of your job will be to show new Lion leaders how to effectively manage their club and to lead the club in a positive direction. Helping both club officers and charter members learn about Lionism is a very important responsibility. Take some time before beginning the training to reacquaint yourself with the fundamentals of the international association, your multiple district, district, and your local club so you can incorporate the information into your new club officer training.

Communicator: Good communication skills will improve your effectiveness. Take the time to listen to what others are saying. Learn how to moderate discussions and help people solve disputes. Encourage two-way communication between members in a positive and proactive manner.

Observer: While you are trying to nurture the club, respect the fact that it is made up of individuals. Recognize that each will have different skills, abilities and experience. Use individual strengths to the club's advantage.

Goal Setter: Help the group work together to define and set measurable goals and action plans to reach the defined goals.

Team Builder: Help the new club learn how to function as a group; i.e., to respect the opinions of individuals while working together to decide what is best for the club as a whole. This skill will be critical for the club as it moves forward.

Administrator: Being organized will help you with the task of filing reports and assisting the new club, and it will help build your own confidence. As a role model, do your part to portray Lion leaders as organized, knowledgeable and professional.

Advisor: Share your insights, knowledge and experience with new club leaders, while still allowing them to make decisions on their own.

Liaison: Help keep the lines of communication open between the new club and the sponsoring club.

Enthusiastic Lion: New members will look to you as an experienced Lion. Share your knowledge of Lions with them, as well as your dedication and enthusiasm.

Skilled Presenter: If it has been a while since you last provided training, consider spending some time to refresh your presentation and training skills. There are many excellent reference materials to help you refine your presentation and group process skills, along with goal setting, action plan development and evaluation skills.

Listener: As Guiding Lion, sometimes it is good to simply listen and be a sounding board for the new club officer's thoughts and ideas and serve as an advisor or mentor.

District A4 Certified Guiding Lions

Interested in becoming a Certified Guiding Lion?

For information contact Andrew Etherington, District Leadership Chair

  District A4 Home Page