What is leadership? What do you think of when you hear the word "leadership"? Great leaders of the past like Martin Luther King, Jr.? Perhaps people like President Obama? Maybe you think of the characteristics of leaders: honesty, integrity, courage, responsibility, etc.? Do you consider yourself a leader? A leader is someone with the ability to guide others toward a goal and, in life, everyone plays the role of leader. In business, leadership is considered an essential skill and that is why it is part of my business classes.

What is FBLA? FBLA stands for Future Business Leaders of America. FBLA is a co-curricular leadership organization dedicated to developing leadership skills in high school students. With more than 250,000 members nationwide, it is the largest student business organization in the country. As a part of FBLA you will learn valuable skill that will help you in school, college, and the workplace.

Our Mission:
Our mission is to bring business and education together in a positive working relationship through innovative leadership and career development programs.
Our Goals >>>     Our Creed>>>

So, what's in it for ME?
That's a good question! Think about this: you are going to spend 4 years in high school and another 2-4 years in college. You are going to spend the next 40+ years working. You'll probably be changing jobs every 3-5 years. That being the case, don't you think it makes sense to learn how business works and how you can compete? Unfortunately, that is not something that you learn in high school. FBLA helps you figure out how business really works and gives you a head start over other students.

Great, how does that work? What do we do?
Funny you should ask because "What have you done?" is exactly what most employers want to know! How well you answer that question will determine whether or not you get the job. FBLA members have a great answer to that question:

"As a member of FBLA, I have learned project management skills by developing and implementing a program of work. I have learned financial management skills through FBLA fundraising activities. I have learned teamwork through community service projects like the March of Dimes. I've also had the chance to learn a lot about business from the field trips we take and the business leaders I have met. Many of these business people have helped me network with other business people. I even got to spend a workday at a business I was interested in so I could really see how things are done. I have learned leadership skills at the many FBLA conferences I have attended. I even went to the FBLA National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida! On top of that, I practiced my own business skills in competition at the FBLA District and State Leadership Conferences. Man, it felt really go to stand up and accept that award in front of all those people. My adviser and my family were really proud of me and, you know what; I was really proud of myself. I learned that I can succeed. So, Mr. Businessman, in FBLA I've learned all of the skills that your company is looking for, and then some. Would you like to see my portfolio of accomplishments?"

Now THAT is a winning, world-class answer! And it's all TRUE. Seriously, who do you think is going to get the job?