Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - Understanding Different Leadership Styles within a Team

By VEDA GANESAN | DISTRICT 12 PRESIDENT | ANALYZER LEADERSHIP STYLE

Marcus High School

Be the one this school year and learn what type of emerging leader you are! There is no one DECA definition of an emerging leader, since you are the one crafting your own story. Each leader is the voice of many, so it's very crucial to fully understand yourself before you attempt to understand your fellow peers. 

The DECA Leadership Styles assessment will help you identify your sweet spots and blind spots as a DECA leader. Having an awareness of your DECA Leadership Style will enable you to communicate better, assess others’ needs, and build productive relationships within your leadership team. A leader’s ability to identify these differences and quickly adapt to address individual needs can be the difference between leadership success and failure. Learn more about what type of emerging leader you are below!

Nature + Nurture + Choices

One-third of your leadership is based on nature: how you were uniquely wired and what types of genetics you received at birth. Another third of your leadership is based on nurture: the type of environments you have faced and the training you have received. It is a mixture of how you were raised and influenced by family, friends, heroes and others in your life. The final element of your leadership style is based on your choices: the lessons you have learned from the outcomes of your life decisions. 

The DECA Leadership Styles Quiz below provides insight into your nature, or how you are naturally programmed to lead. It provides a glimpse into your natural tendencies and how you were born to act and react to life situations. Your natural style often emerges when you are the most stressed, tired or operating in new or unfamiliar environments. As a leader, there is often the chance you will face one of these situations with your team, so understanding each others’ leadership styles is necessary to navigate uncharted terrain. As you gain confidence and comfortability in leadership, the nurture and choice aspects of your leadership style will emerge. This cultivation of nature, nurture and choice reveals the emerging leader within you. 

The Quiz

Take the interactive quiz here and learn a little bit more about your leadership style below.

Why understand the leadership styles in your team?

Here's why understanding leadership styles is important:

• Enhanced collaboration: Knowing different leadership styles allows leaders to work together more effectively, leveraging each other's strengths and compensating for weaknesses. Delegation and collaboration become much easier. 

• Improved communication: Leaders who understand their team’s leadership styles can tailor their communication approach, fostering clearer and more empathetic interactions. This results in better alignment and fewer misunderstandings.

• Adaptability: Leaders who are aware of various leadership styles can more easily adapt their approach based on the situation or the team they're working with. This flexibility is crucial when leading diverse groups.

• Personal growth: By recognizing different leadership styles, leaders can identify areas for their own personal development and can broaden their leadership repertoire. 

• Conflict resolution: Understanding different leadership approaches helps in resolving conflicts more efficiently among leaders. It allows teams to find compromises that respect diverse leadership styles and perspectives.

• Mentoring and development: Leaders who understand different styles are better equipped to mentor and develop the next generation of emerging leaders, helping to cultivate a strong leadership legacy within the organization.

• Decision-making: Understanding various leadership styles enables more informed and inclusive decision-making at the top level. It allows leaders to consider different perspectives and approaches when solving problems or setting organizational direction.

• Morale: Understanding the team’s leadership styles promotes a more inclusive environment, respecting and admiring diversity. 

By recognizing and appreciating the different leadership styles within your leadership team, your team can work together more harmoniously, capitalize on each other's strengths, and create a more cohesive leadership structure for your DECA chapter or association.

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - Preparing to Be The One | A Chapter Officer's Outlook

By JP JEWELL | Texas deca vice president

Glenda Dawson High School

Dawson DECA’s summer is spent preparing for an amazing year ahead. From in person officer meetings to our annual bootcamp we’re constantly working to be ready to implement an engaging year for all of our members. Read below to find out the steps we take to become the one!

1. CLEARLY DEFINING OUR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - At the end of each school year, a group of officers is selected to operate the Dawson DECA chapter. Each officer receives a title they will carry throughout the next school year that entails different responsibilities. In order to ensure that all officers understand their role, each officer is given a description of their duties and a list of key deliverables to complete throughout the year in our Dawson DECA Officer Handbook. It is then up to that officer not only to complete those duties and fulfill their deliverables but also to go above and beyond towards improving the chapter.

2. ESTABLISHING CLEAR COMMUNICATION - With over 30 officers at Dawson DECA, it can be difficult for us to quickly share important information unless we have a clear line of communication. At the start of the summer, our officer team sets up a large message group with specified sub-channels on platforms such as Slack or Discord to use throughout the year. Additionally, our smaller groups set up text group chats such as our Executive team and VPs, or our VPs and their groups of directors.

3. ENSURING THAT EVERY OFFICER HAS AN ADEQUATE UNDERSTANDING OF DECA AND CHAPTER OPERATIONS - As a chapter officer, you become an essential point of contact for members to ask you questions, get information, and receive help throughout the year. In order to make sure that every chapter officer can do this, our chapter holds a “DECA 101” course at our officer boot camp. This course covers all parts of DECA’s comprehensive learning program from conferences throughout the year to corporate challenges. Every officer leaves our boot camp with the knowledge to answer almost every question they could be asked by current or potential members.

4. WORKING IN SMALLER GROUPS TO SET SPECIFIC GOALS AND CREATE PLANS - As we look to work on planning for the year or brainstorming ideas to implement, we usually have a wide variety of goals we are trying to accomplish or events we are trying to execute. Instead of doing this planning as a large group all at once, we assign different groups based on roles to plan out different aspects of our chapter. During July for example, The hospitality team worked on planning out our recruitment tactics for the beginning of the year while our outreach team brainstormed different community service ideas. By working in these smaller groups throughout the summer, our officer sub-teams are able to efficiently pave the way for a successful year ahead.

5. CONSTANT COLLABORATION AND IDEA SHARING - Following our small group meetings, each officer team ends up with a document or list full of ideas and plans for the year ahead. At our annual officer boot camp event, officer teams present their ideas to the group and hold discussions to review each idea. All 20+ people in attendance participate in refining and evaluating each idea to maximize its potential impact later in the year. Throughout this process each officer gains an understanding of what the chapter has lined up for the year and has the ability to impact the chapter at a large scale.

Overall, the summer and beginning of the school year is when our chapter officers truly create the difference that helps our chapter to be the one throughout the school year. The brainstorming, planning, and outlining that happens during that time creates a powerful framework that is then carefully implemented throughout the year in order to keep a large chapter moving that works to enable every member to BE THE ONE!

Check below to see what our boot camp schedule looked liked and a copy of our officer handbook.

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - Ideas for Hosting a Chapter Meeting

By Rudy Sathish

Heritage High School

Howdy Texas DECA! As school is starting for many of us, chapter meetings and recruitment activities will soon begin, and updated information will be provided for DECA members. To ensure everyone is able to ‘Be the One’, here are some meeting ideas that would be beneficial to your chapter:

INTRODUCTORY MEETING

At the beginning of the year, a primary goal is recruitment to allow as many people as possible to experience and compete in DECA. Whether you have a chapter of over 300 members or a chapter with just 10 members, you need to welcome members in some way. At an introductory meeting, it is necessary to explain DECA to existing and prospective members to effectively market your chapter, ensure member retention, and boost membership for the upcoming year. Chapter officers should also save some time at the end to answer any questions members may have. 

WELCOME SOCIAL

Incorporating a welcome social could further entice joining a local chapter. In the Texas heat, allowing members to cool down with a cold treat such as popsicles or ice cream could make members connect with each other in a more inviting environment (and who doesn’t love free food!). If this isn’t allowed, just allowing members to network through icebreakers could be beneficial as new members could make new friends in DECA and form a bond early on in the year.

COMPETITION SELECTION 

Officers and other experienced DECA members can assist new members in helping choose a competition for the year. Since members are only allowed to compete in one competition a year, it is of the utmost importance that they choose something aligned with their interests that they will want to stick to for the academic year.  Chapter officers should emphasize that an event should not be chosen simply on how difficult the event is (no DECA event is easy!), but rather how much the student will enjoy competing in it and the success they could find in it. Speaking from personal experience, an event that you thoroughly enjoy doing will reap more rewards than something uninteresting that you do not enjoy. If your chapter has DECA+, encourage members to view sample events there to see something that catches their eye.

MOCK COMPETITIONS

After members choose their events, competition season is in full swing! Members are busy completing market research, coming up with business ideas, practicing performance indicators, studying for tests, and so much more. To allow members to become more comfortable with competing and help relieve nerves before the real day - whether it's District CDC, State CDC, or ICDC-  mock competitions can be offered to all members to give them experience prior to actual competition day. Whether it's allowing students to take a practice test in a timed environment, preparing a role-play to present to other members/officers, or allowing members to present their project, mock competitions are very helpful and will give members the opportunity to improve prior to CDCs--leading to further success.

END OF YEAR BANQUET

You made it; It’s the end of the year! After a long, tedious season of competition, you have made it to the end and members and advisors deserve recognition, appreciation, and celebration. Having an end-of-year banquet, while not informative like the other meetings, Serves as a way to highlight your chapter and member accomplishments from the year, allows your chapter to be together for one last time after ICDC,  and can provide an opportunity to formally announce the following school year's officer team. A banquet can be an extremely fun celebration showing the incredible things your chapter has accomplished throughout the year and having people show their appreciation for DECA. What a great way to end the year! 

Texas DECA members, I hope you have an amazing year in DECA in competition, service, and all of your other endeavors! I hope these meeting ideas were useful and that you all have a successful year and bring home some glass! Good luck to all this year!

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - How to Select a Competitive Event

By Mariyam Khazi

Round Rock High School

From DECA’s 51 events, it can be difficult to select an event, especially for new members or previous members that want to try something new. Follow this map to figure out what event is best suited for you!

To see all of DECA’s 51 competitive events, visit deca.org/compete.

This breakdown has helped many decide which event they may be interested in! However, selecting a DECA event has much more to it.

1. Finding the proper career cluster:

• It’s important to decide which career cluster you are best suited to compete in. This depends on your interests, skill sets, and level of comfort in regards to speaking on each topic.

2. Creating an efficient schedule:

• Prepared events such as OR or PM events require much more planning and time set aside for DECA prior to each level competition. It’s crucial to factor in how much time you are able to put aside for DECA in your regular schedules. It can be difficult to juggle school, other extracurricular activities, and DECA, so deciding what your priorities are is definitely the first step.

3. Understanding your character:

• Once you realize how you learn, how you work most efficiently, etc, these all factor in to provide an amazing boost to your selected DECA event. Detail-oriented people generally gravitate towards the prepared events, as it’s well-suited for those who do prefer to have an extended preparation time. However, for those who work best when placed under stress, roleplay events may be best as they may flourish under the time constraint for preparation.

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - How to Host a Successful DECA Recruitment Meeting

By Anvi Saxena

Liberty High School

When you choose to do something in your free time, what is the #1 reason you decide to do it? Passion, incentive, and joy are the top three reasons people execute any activity. For example, right now, you decided to read this article because you are PASSIONATE about growing your DECA chapter, you want to GAIN knowledge by reading a fresh perspective (incentive), and a good chapter turnout will make events more FUN (joy). Now, when planning your next recruitment meeting, you must consider incorporating those three main things into the meeting so attendees feel compelled to join!

1.Set the Stage with a Theme

Who doesn't love a good theme? Choose a fun and exciting theme for the year that sets the tone for the year. It could be something like "DECA Olympics," "Hollywood Red Carpet," or "DECA Superhero." A theme adds an element of excitement and makes every event more memorable. Specifically for your recruitment meeting, it brings a fresh perspective to attendees and intrigues them as it is something out of the ordinary. Your games, slideshows, and presentations should all follow that theme to keep consistency and create a fun environment for all! (Also, a theme makes the planning process so much more fun!)

2. Make an Engaging AND Effective Meeting Itinerary

Keep the energy high with a variety of activities that show and tell what DECA is all about. Here are some ideas:

- Icebreaker Games: Start with fun icebreaker games to help everyone get to know each other. DECA is all about networking, and this can be their first taste of getting to know everyone!

- Informational Slideshow: Make this like an “elevator pitch” for DECA where you go over the most important and exciting parts of DECA! (Make sure to include pictures and graphics and always allow time for questions)

- Mini Competitions: Set up stations with mini versions of DECA competitions, such as small role-plays or even a fun Kahoot about the information you told them! (Keep prizes so that everyone is motivated to play)

- Guest Speakers: Invite successful DECA alumni, current members, or local business/sponsors to share their experiences and inspire new members. Share stories of past successes and highlight the benefits of joining DECA. Use a mix of personal testimonials, videos, and photos from previous events. Showing DECA's real impact on members' lives will motivate newcomers to join.

-Provide Snacks and Swag: Nothing draws a crowd like free food and goodies (joy & incentive). Provide snacks and refreshments to keep everyone fueled and happy. You can also create DECA-themed swag bags with pens, notebooks, and buttons. You can always use items earned from previous year or check out the Texas DECA Store!

There is a lot of multimedia that DECA Inc. posts, such as recruitment videos, graphics, etc., that you can utilize throughout your meeting. Remember, you also want to be effective with your planning!

3.Market, Market, Market!

You need to get the word out and use the skills you have learned in DECA! Use social media, school announcements, posters, and word of mouth to inform everyone about your upcoming recruitment meeting. Create eye-catching graphics and catchy slogans to grab attention and mention key leverage points such as snacks, swag, and fun activities. Don't forget to include all the essential details: date, time, location, and theme.

Additionally, collaborate with other organizations that attract people at your school to market DECA & your next meeting there. Attend your school’s club fairs and community events and utilize every opportunity available to you.

4.Have a Clear Call to Action in Meetings & Marketing 

Make it easy for interested students to join your chapter. Have sign-up sheets, QR codes for online registration forms, and information packets ready. Clearly explain the next steps and how they can get involved right away. (Remember, people have short attention spans, so make it easy to understand)

5.Follow Up

After the meeting, follow up with all attendees. Send a thank-you email, include information about the next meeting, and remind them of any upcoming events. This shows that you value their interest and keep the momentum going. This also makes them feel comfortable asking you questions!

Bonus Tips

• Delegate Tasks: Involve your chapter officers and members in meeting planning and executing. This not only lightens your load but also builds teamwork and leadership skills.

• Stay Positive and Enthusiastic: Your energy and enthusiasm are contagious. Keep the atmosphere positive and welcoming, and make sure everyone feels included.

By following these steps and keeping passion, incentive, and joy at the forefront, you'll host a recruitment meeting that's fun and engaging and effective in attracting new members. Good luck, and happy recruiting!

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - Communicating the Benefits of Joining DECA

By Gargi Chaudhari

Heritage High School

Are you a high school student looking to expand your horizons beyond academics? If so, DECA might be the organization for you! With a strong history of developing the next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs, this organization provides many benefits that will enhance your education and give you a good base for further development. This year's DECA theme is "Be the One," which encourages stepping up, standing out, and making a difference.

What is DECA?

DECA stands for Distributive Education Clubs of America, an increasingly recognized international association that empowers students to become career professionals in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. Formed in high schools and colleges, DECA provides students with skills such as being academically prepared, community-oriented, professionally responsible, and experienced leaders.

Professional Development Opportunities

Arguably, one of the most obvious reasons for joining DECA would be the professional development opportunities available. Through DECA competitions, workshops, and conferences, students formulate improved public speaking, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Such experiences not only strengthen academic knowledge but also engage relevant life skills, which are indispensable in any career path.. By embracing the "Be the One" theme, you are called upon to take the lead— confidently and fearlessly—and be the one who inspires and drives change.

Networking and Community Engagement

DECA offers students a network for connecting with fellow students, educators, and industry professionals. Beginning from local chapters and progressing to regional meetings and international conferences, DECA members fabricate quality connections to position them for internship and scholarship opportunities. Through engagement with like-minded peers and mentors, an established support network is created through which students can grow and flourish. When you choose to "Be the One," you become involved and active in your community, leaving behind a legacy of all the good things done and meaningful relationships built.

Scholarships and Recognition

Beyond the skill development and networking, DECA provides enormous opportunities for recognition and scholarships. Successful DECA competitors at the local, state, and international levels reap rewards by being able to list these accomplishments on their résumés and in college applications. The organization also works with businesses and universities to offer scholarships that are not only specific to academic excellence but also exhibit great leadership and entrepreneurial potential. As you "Be the One" in your accomplishments, you mark a standard others will follow and lead by example.

Conclusion

Joining DECA is not just about competitions or conferences; it’s about the transformational journey one goes through, preparing a person for challenges and opportunities yet to come. If you seek a career in business, marketing, finance, or entrepreneurship, DECA will provide you with the necessary skills, experiences, and connections in order to succeed in your chosen field.

In summary, DECA offers high school students a very unique opportunity for professional development, extreme networking, and scholarships that will mold their futures. In joining DECA, you do not join just a club but a network across the world of leaders and innovators who are ready to make a difference.

Be the one to take a step ahead, be the difference, and be a leader. Ready to take that next step in your personal and professional growth? Join DECA today and engage in numerous activities that will definitely lead you toward success.

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - Choosing the Right Teammates

By Ananya gogula

Uplift North Hills Prep

Choosing teammates for your DECA competition is arguably one of the hardest tasks at hand. The natural tendency is to obviously pick your friends, but in the end, is this really the right choice? Are they really the ideal members for your team? Learning what the team needs, and the importance of a well-rounded team with a common goal can help you make the right decision.

Importance of diverse strengths: 

To understand, let’s take an example scenario. Let’s say you decide to pair up with some friends; you all are amazing presenters and are like-minded with similar skill sets. While the presentation skills can always come in handy, other tasks for projects can become more overwhelming and less streamlined due to the lack of different skills and perspectives. Delegating and dividing tasks also becomes easier when team members have different skill sets. Choosing people with complementary skills to you can work out really nicely in the end; example - you are an extrovert and have a lot of confidence in presenting while your teammate can make a killer slideshow – these skills go hand in hand. Some other pros of having a team with diverse strengths:

• Enhanced problem-solving and creativity: more perspectives/opinions, more innovative ideas

• Improved decision making: more informed decisions, different viewpoints

• Risk mitigation: makes sure things are not overlooked

• More collaboration: Shared goals and vision, more communication

Steps to choosing the right teammates: 

1. ASSESS THE PROJECT AND IDENTIFY KEY STRENGTHS NEEDED:
Understanding the event/project topic and what the desired outcome is can be the first step to choosing teammates. What are the deliverables? What do you need to complete the project; are there specific resources available, deadlines, or specific time commitments needed from team members? Is there a certain way the project tasks should be broken down?

2. ASSESS YOURSELF:
What strengths do you have? What weaknesses do you have? Are there certain skill sets/strengths that can complement yours? Are you able to delegate tasks to make the project successful? This is an important step in the team selection process.

3. DIVERSE EXPERTISE AND COMMUNICATION SKILLS:
Make sure the team delegates responsibilities equally and communicates effectively. Everyone should hold each other accountable. Remember communication is key and it can actually be better to over communicate at times!

In the end, choosing people with diverse strengths and common goals can really help make a well-rounded team. Remember to learn from each other, communicate well, and to have fun!

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - Summer Competition Preparation - Prepared Events

By Shivani Kondubhatla, State Vice President

Westwood High School

With summer in full swing, it’s the perfect time to get a headstart on preparing for your DECA Prepared Event. The prompts are out (for the applicable events), and DECA+ is filled with great  samples and resources to look through and get some inspiration. Here are a list of a few tips and tricks to make sure that you are ready to go for when DECA season officially starts: 

• Choose Something You’re Passionate About

Winning the coveted glass or making it to ICDC does not always come from choosing “easier” events, but rather ones that you are genuinely interested in. Summer is the perfect time to find the right event for you. Is there a social issue that you are very passionate about? Maybe Project Management is the way to go. Do you like to research and collaborate with local businesses? Then consider Operations Research. Here is a great resource to help you discover what event you want to do. But whatever you choose, make sure that you genuinely are interested in it and can write a report/make a presentation on it! 

• Make a Game Plan for the School Year 

When school’s in session, it can get pretty hectic balancing schoolwork with your DECA project. Your life will be 10x easier if you make a checklist right now of what you want to accomplish each month to ensure your DECA project gets completed. My partners and I competed in Operations Research, and we created a strict schedule that we followed throughout the year. We made sure to reach out to local businesses and do more research on the prompt in August, and we finished conducting our research in September-October. Here are some great timelines to follow if you need help making your game plan.

• Research, Research, Research

Summer is the perfect time to really understand your event and the business acumen you need to acquire. For the events with prompts, this article has so many links to further understand your prompt and brainstorm. If you are doing an Entrepreneurship event, for example, be sure to be very familiar with financials, different markets, etc. If you aren’t too confident with these, then start learning about it right now! Judges can tell if you know what you’re talking about, be it while judging your report or your presentation, so do lots of research now! It’s also a great time to start looking at other’s reports/presentations, which can be found on DECA+. You can get a good idea of what to implement, things that worked, etc. (but make sure not to copy or plagiarize their work!)   

• Start Writing or Making Your Presentation

If you’re feeling very productive this summer, you can even get started on your actual report or presentation. You want to become best friends with your event’s guidelines, which can be found on DECA+. Use that as the blueprint of your report, and start outlining and writing your report on Google Docs or Word. Don’t worry about graphics or making your report look pretty just yet — just focus on the content and remember it’s just the beginning. Take your time! Check out this written event guide for more assistance.

 We hope these tips help you get started on your prepared event this summer. Good luck!

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - 2023-2024 DECA Rewind

By yashitha chunduru, State President

Coppell High School

No three words describe the 2023-2024 DECA year better than “Experience the difference.” From serving as a District Vice President to running for State Office, this past year has been an absolute roller coaster of an experience!

As a District Officer...

As one of the District 11 Vice Presidents, I had a huge role in a lot of the district-wide events that we hosted. We had our Fall Leadership Conference in October and had to plan what information we would present to chapter officers and in what manner we would present that information. At FLC we also got to kick off our district community service project. After months of planning and promoting the professional clothing drive, we were able to collect over six hundred pieces of professional clothing including blazers, belts, slacks, shirts, and shoes.

A couple of weeks later, D11 hosted its first Mock DECA Competition in years. Not only did we offer insightful feedback through competition, but we also distributed the professional clothes we collected to ensure that the students in D11 would have clothes to compete in at District CDC. These clothes would go on to help with interviews, internships, and jobs.

A few weeks later, we had a Feed My Starving Children Volunteer Day where different chapters joined the D11 Officer team throughout the day to package meals for kids in need. We ended up helping a total of one hundred eighty-seven kids for a year. This was a great team bonding activity and we had an amazing day filled with fun competition and helping others!

In January, District CDC came despite snowy days and somewhat iced-up roads. Between competing, running for District Office a second time, and helping run the conference smoothly, there wasn’t a lot of free time. However, I still enjoyed seeing so many faces in person after a year of PCMs!

As a Competitor...

Alongside planning events and community service projects, the grind of preparing for my competitive event began. This year, I competed in Business Services Marketing, which is an individual series role-play event. Most of October and November was spent taking practice tests, looking through marketing related vocabulary, and looking through explanations on answer keys.

After taking my Marketing Cluster Exam, I had a little over a month to practice pole plays and look through different performance indicators. I practiced with different family members and with a couple of my friends that I practiced with the last couple of years. At District, I was announced as a state qualifier which meant that I had about two weeks to continue studying for testing. The state exam is considered to be harder than the district exam which meant that the two weeks were spent doing as many old exams as possible.

After testing, I had about two weeks to practice my role plays once again and make them ICDC qualifier-worthy. At State CDC in February, I competed alongside other Texas DECA members and was announced as an ICDC Qualifier. From after State CDC right up to ICDC, I mostly worked on studying for the exam. I knew testing was where I was weaker, so that’s where I ended up putting most of my focus. I did more role play prep once we entered April.

At ICDC, I tested and did my two preliminary role plays. On the morning of the Achievement Awards Ceremony, I waited nervously to hear whether I would get to compete again as a Top 20 Finalist for my event. When they announced the blue ribbon medallion winners for BSM, my name was called and I got to compete once again!

Unfortunately, I didn’t win a glass or be announced as a top-ten winner, but I learned a lot through competing as a finalist, and I hope I get farther in the 2024-2025 DECA year!

As a State Officer...

After campaigning, being interviewed, being tested, and running alongside nineteen other candidates, Texas DECA’s Team 79 State Officers were announced at the awards session on the last day of State CDC. I was elected President, and my term pretty much kicked off from there.

Our first conference was the Texas Leadership Summit, where the District Officers were teamed up. This took place at the Kalahari Resort, and there were many fun icebreakers we did to get to know each other. I loved seeing the rest of my team in person and finally getting a chance to meet some of the new District Officers!

A month after TLS came ICDC in Anaheim, California. At ICDC, I loved trading pins and meeting members from across the world! I also enjoyed networking with other state officers at the Parade of Flags and the State Officer Luncheon.

As a State Officer, I helped with registration and attended different voting delegate sessions when I wasn’t busy competing. I got to sit in caucuses with the executive officer candidates and talk to them at the meet and greet!

The 2023-2024 DECA year was incredible for me and I hope it was for you as well! I can’t wait to see all of Texas DECA’s accomplishments and the memories made in the 2024-2025 DECA year!

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - Summer To-Do List

By Mariyam Khazi, District 5 Vice President

Round Rock High School

Destination: DECA Success 2024-2025!

Travel Dates: May - August

The DECA To-Do List:

• Select your event!

• Start preparing for your event: whether this be studying for your cluster exam or starting your written event paper!

• If you’re serving as a chapter/district officer, schedule meetings with your team to plan for the 24-25 competitive school year!

• Keep up with your District! Attend socials that the District may be hosting. Network!
  

Jobs/Interning:

• Finding a part-time job can help cure the annual summer boredom! Consider: ice cream stores, tutoring centers, lifeguarding, restaurants, etc.

• Look into internships for your desired career field: visit LinkedIn and other job sites to find opportunities. 

• Apply! Apply! Apply! The worst response you can get is a no, and the more chances you take, the better results you will get!

• Cold email/call! There’s no harm in reaching out to get information about potential opportunities!

Take a Breather:

• Take some time this summer to rewind and relax! It’s supposed to be a break, so treat it like one!

• Spend quality time with friends and family to catch up!

• Travel! Go places, connect with nature, and enjoy what’s around you!

To be a successful DECA member this year, it is essential to find a good work-life balance. This summer is the perfect time to create a plan for the upcoming school & competitive year, while also discovering habits that work best for you. For many DECA members, school is starting up next month (we’re already halfway through summer!) so make sure to utilize this time to do what you need to do. Once you get back into the hustle-bustle of school life, it is necessary to have good balancing habits in place so you don’t get overwhelmed.

​​Now, for a more “DECA” approach, for those of you that would like to begin preparation for your events, the DECA Guide for 2024-2025 has been released! Resources for roleplay and written/prepared events are all available here!

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - Summer Competition Preparation - Role Play Events

By Johana Gonzalez, District 12 Vice President

Harmony School of Innovation - Fort Worth

Summer is ideal for getting ahead in your DECA Role Play Events! With less schoolwork and plenty of free time, you can focus on sharpening your skills and gaining an edge over the competition. So, here is how you can make the most out of your summer and prepare like a pro for those DECA Role Play events.

What is a Role Play?

Before you start preparing, it's essential to understand the structure and expectations of DECA Role Play events. Each event typically features an exam, a real-world scenario or business case study, a preparation period, and a presentation. These events are designed to assess your problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and industry knowledge within a realistic business context. To prepare effectively, familiarize yourself with the official DECA guidelines and study past role-play examples available on texasdeca.org. This resource provides exam blueprints and past case studies that are key to understanding what judges look for and refining your approach accordingly.

Why a Role Play Instead of a Written Event?

Role-plays offer a dynamic way to demonstrate your skills. Unlike written events, role-plays require on-the-spot thinking and adaptability, reflecting real business challenges. They help you develop critical soft skills like public speaking and quick decision-making, which are highly valued in business. DECA Direct’s Article, You Do You: Choose Competitive Event, has lots of information to help you decide if Role Play is your perfect competitive event!

Two Different Role Plays Formats:

1. Individual Events: Individual events in DECA encompass a variety of formats, including Principles Events tailored for first-year participants. In these events, you are presented with a scenario and allotted 10 minutes for preparation, followed by 10 minutes to present your solution.

2. Team Decision Making Events: In these events, participants work in pairs, emphasizing teamwork, collaboration, and the ability to develop a cohesive strategy. Each team is presented with a scenario and given 30 minutes to prepare, followed by a 15-minute presentation to present their solution.

Memorizing and Understanding Performance Indicators (PIs)

Performance Indicators (PIs) are specific skills and knowledge areas that judges look for in your

role-play. To master them:

- Memorize: Familiarize yourself with the PIs related to your event category. Create flashcards or use apps to aid memorization. Websites such as AnswerWrite, Quizlet, DECA+, and Texas DECA offer resources.

- Understand: Go beyond memorization by applying PIs in practice scenarios. Understanding how to implement them in various contexts will make your presentations more effective.

Practical Tips for Summer Preparation

1. Research Your Event Category: Stay updated on industry trends, key concepts, and current events.

2. Study Terms: Dedicate time to learn and understand essential terms and concepts relevant to your DECA event category. Mastering these terms will not only enhance your exam performance but also strengthen your presentations by demonstrating a deep understanding of industry-specific language.

3. Practice Role-Play Scenarios: Use past DECA scenarios to simulate competition. Time yourself and focus on clear, structured responses.

4. Develop Soft Skills: Enhance public speaking, body language, and confidence through

practice and feedback.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle DECA Role Play events with confidence

and skill. Use this summer wisely, and you’ll see the results in your performance. Good luck!

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - A District Officer Summer (D10)

By Clare Kim, District 10 Vice President

Coronado High School

Howdy, Texas DECA! As we find ourselves in the peak of summer, it's the perfect time to reflect on what your district officers work on from springtime to now! From leadership summits to planning for the upcoming year, we've been busy ensuring that this year will be one for the books. Here's a look at our highlights and ongoing efforts.

● Texas Leadership Summit (TLS)

The Texas Leadership Summit (TLS) was a pivotal event for us. It’s a three-day workshop where we go to learn about our roles and the expectations that come with them. Held earlier in March, TLS offered district officers from across the state an immersive experience focused on leadership development and strategic planning. We engaged in various icebreakers and activities designed to enhance our leadership skills, network with fellow officers, and brainstorm innovative ideas to elevate our districts. One of the key takeaways from TLS was the importance of collaboration and effective communication. We learned how to better engage with our chapters and members, ensuring that we can provide the best support possible throughout the year. The insights gained from TLS are already being implemented as we plan upcoming events and initiatives.

● CTE “Preparing the Workforce” Conference

Recently for District 10, we manned a DECA booth at our local CTE Workforce Conference. There, we got to meet advisors, tell them of our plans for the year, and remind them of the amazing year we’ve had. Additionally, it was an incredible opportunity for us to spread the word of DECA to those who’ve never heard of us. We were also fortunate enough to network with many corporations allowing us to bring resources and opportunities to our chapters.

● Third of the Month Reports (TOMRs)

Another fundamental of being a district officer is TOMRs, or Third of the Month Reports. These reports relay what we’ve achieved and the goals we hope to accomplish for the next month. We compile updates on our activities, achievements, and any challenges we encounter.

● Social Media Management

One of my responsibilities as Vice President of District 10 is running our social media. I’m sure you can tell Canva and I are close friends. Since TLS, I’ve made posts on our new officer team, ICDC, mental health, and an internship opportunity, to name a few. Social media is a powerful tool for connecting with our members and keeping everyone informed about upcoming events and opportunities.

● Planning for the Upcoming Year

As we look ahead, our primary priority is planning for the upcoming year. Currently, our focus in District 10 is to further flesh out the details of our mock competition. We, officers, have also been talking about what we want our community service project for the year to be. Our goal is to ensure that every member has the opportunity to develop their skills, gain leadership experience, and prepare for their future careers.

Well, that’s all for now! With the upcoming school year, you can expect your district officers to get much busier. Nevertheless, your district officer teams will always have your best interests at heart and cannot wait to see y’all #BetheOne!

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - A District Officer's Summer Recap

By Chloe Rocha, District 8 Vice President

Lubbock-Cooper High School

Summer is in full swing, and we're excited to update you on everything that's been happening since our Texas Leadership Summit (TLS) trip earlier this year. As a District 8 officer on behalf of all of our district officers, we've been hard at work to ensure we make this summer both productive and engaging for all of you before the start of our next school year!

Our journey started with the Texas Leadership Summit (TLS), where we developed our skills, networked with fellow district officers, and gained valuable insights into effective team management and competitive strategies to help fellow DECA members as a team. 

One of our major initiatives as a district 8 team post-TLS has been the creation of a Virtual Bootcamp. Understanding the challenges posed by remote learning based on our chapters' separation from each other and the need for continuous skill development during our competition season, we created a series of workshops and videos aimed at improving your DECA experience from the comfort of your own home and school. Whether you're focusing on marketing, finance, hospitality, or entrepreneurship in role plays or presentations, our Virtual Bootcamp has something for everyone.

To keep the competitive spirit alive, we've been organizing virtual challenges for our Bootcamp throughout the summer. These challenges not only test your DECA knowledge and skills but also provide opportunities for networking and collaboration with members from other chapters within our district. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming challenges and how you can participate!

Beyond skills development, we've also emphasized community engagement. From virtual communication to collaborative projects with local businesses, we're committed to making a positive impact both within DECA and in our community. As we look ahead to the upcoming school year, we're filled with optimism and excitement. Our goal is to build on the excitement of this summer, expanding our reach and impact within District 8 and other districts. Whether you're a returning member or new to DECA, there are countless opportunities awaiting you, and we're here to support you every step of the way!

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - My ICDC Experience in a Emerging Leader Series Academy

By Ayush Dave, Liberty High School, Thrive Academy

Dress shoes clacking at every step. 

Suits rustling with anticipation. 

Lanyards swinging wildly.

My incredible journey through the International Career Development Conference (ICDC) came among this chaos of teens. Competing in Anaheim, California, was an unforgettable experience for me and my chapter from Liberty High School. 

Our journey to ICDC began with anticipation and loads of excitement as I boarded the plane bound for Anaheim. Due to unexpected weather changes and thunderstorms, we were stranded at the Dallas airport for more than 6 hours. Despite the setback, we found a company that shared experience with other DECA competitors facing similar challenges. It gave us time to roam around the airport, connect with students from different high schools, and try food from every restaurant in the airport terminal.

Liberty High School DECA Students Boarding Flight to Anaheim! (From left: Ramya, Amogh, Ashvita, Lea)

After finally arriving in Anaheim, it was already nighttime. We checked into our hotel and then went out to find dinner. I was very excited about the next day, as it would be my first ICDC experience, but I was also a bit nervous since I didn't know what to expect.

The following day, while some of my schoolmates were busy with presentations and tests, I had a free day. This allowed me to explore and discover new places and restaurants, which helped me feel more comfortable in a new city. With an extra day pass to Disneyland, I visited the park and had fun before the program began. This experience not only allowed me to unwind but also helped me get used to my new routine for the coming week. Meanwhile, most others stayed behind to prepare for their presentations and roleplays.

Finally, what we had all been waiting for was here: the ICDC opening session. The opening session was like entering a bustling marketplace of ideas and opportunities. One unforgettable highlight was the pin exchange at the opening ceremony. It was a fantastic way to kick off the event, connecting with students from various states and countries. Exchanging DECA pins became more than just a tradition—it was a way to learn about each other's DECA journeys and proudly display our backgrounds.

Students and Academy Speaker Patrick Grady (from left: Aashi, Ayush Dane, Patrick Grady, Lea)

As a non-competitor, I participated in the Thrive program, designed to empower students with the skills to manage DECA chapters and foster a growth mindset. Learning practical strategies for chapter leadership and gaining insights into the latest trends shaping the business world was insightful. One particular lesson that stood out was learning new techniques for conflict management within a team and gaining fresh event ideas from other students. Hearing from speakers like Breanna Holbert, Patrick Grady, Kenzie Bastian, and Eddie Slowikowski was eye-opening. Their stories and advice have motivated me to strive for excellence.

Beyond the enriching workshops and speaker sessions, ICDC was a mix of cultures and dreams. Networking wasn't just a buzzword; it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience of meeting peers from across the globe, sharing aspirations, and creating lasting connections. Every conversation counted, whether we were chatting about new ideas or figuring out our career paths. It was genuinely fun to talk to people from different places and learn about their lives, making the experience more relatable and enjoyable for anyone, not just those involved with ICDC or DECA.

Ideas, Insights, and Inspirations - My ICDC Experience as a Competitor

Chapter members from Liberty High School in front of the Anaheim Convention Center at ICDC 2024.

By Anvi Saxena, Liberty High School, Project Management Career Development

"Tikki, spots on!" from Miraculous Ladybug is what I think of when I step into a DECA environment. Competing once again this year at ICDC was the same. I truly feel empowered to be my greatest, authentic self and feel so amazing about the journey my event has made throughout the course of the year. Wearing that blazer makes me feel like a superhero who can make a difference, just like Miraculous Ladybug. Now, as much as I would love to talk about my rollercoaster experience this year simply, I also want to be able to leave you with something. So as your DECA hero, here are my top three tips for having a great time at ICDC from my experiences this year:

1. Persevere Through Any (and all) Obstacles

This year, my team and chapter faced significant challenges before, during, and after ICDC. Our flight and others from our area were delayed six hours, giving us one less day to experience it all. However, this delay helped us grow closer as a chapter as we switched from terminal to terminal. We made the best of it by running our scripts and playing random games. However, things didn’t get easier from there. My partner got sick the day we flew in, and our board frame was completely broken. Although the board was a quick fix, thanks to Target, my partner getting sick wasn’t. We had been practicing for months for this day, and she could barely talk. Thanks to the CVS below us and the great ramen place near our hotel, we persevered through it all. My partner felt a bit better by presentation day, allowing us to give it our best shot. Although there was so much that kept happening, seeing all chapter members support each other made us push through and make the best out of every situation thrown at us. The key was not giving up and making the best of our situation despite not being what we had initially hoped for. You also have to remember that, at the end of the day, this is supposed to be a fun experience. By facing obstacles as they arise, you allow yourself to move forward and truly experience the difference!

2. Enjoy the Whole Process (not just the end result)

Another very important lesson I learned this year was that it's crucial to focus not just on the end results but to enjoy the entire journey. As a written event competitor, I can say that almost all written events are fueled with passion. With most of us starting in the summer and planning out every tiny detail, from a report’s font size to executing a project, it can be disheartening when factors out of your control dictate your end result. A pitch my partner and I had been working on for weeks had to be switched because of a random, unforeseen sickness. Although I didn’t realize it two days before the competition, we spent prepping; competing at ICDC is so much more than just winning. It’s about presenting the passion you have poured into your project and showcasing it internationally. 

While our presentation pitch may not have been what we had hoped for, we still took so much away from competition day. While standing in line, I saw so many other unique projects, such as how some people promoted career development through robotics while others expanded small businesses exponentially. Learning about these various projects and talking about mine made me realize the impact and importance of our competitive events beyond the DECA environment. By enjoying the whole journey of competing rather than focusing solely on the end result, you might surprise yourself with new learnings and connections in the real world!

3. Talk to Everyone and Anyone

“Interacting with people from all over the world is what makes ICDC so fun” is probably something you've heard a million times. As an introvert, this tip initially scared me, but I truly understood its value once I was at ICDC. Before my first ICDC last year, I never really grasped how I could connect with people from around the globe. When random people approached me to trade pins, hats, and lightsabers at my first opening session, I started to understand how easy it was to ignite a conversation. Meeting people who share the same love I have for Chipotle and DECA was truly life-altering for me.

Although I didn't manage to get a China pin this time, the “networking aspect” was taken to the next level. Not only was the opening session filled with new connections, but I also captured some of these moments on camera while vlogging the experience. Looking back, it was really cool to see how the DECA environment makes it so easy for us to approach one another. Another enhancement to my networking came when we were shooting my friend’s NHS campaign video. We got to connect on things besides DECA and really create a bond. By the end of my friend’s campaign video, we had made so many new friends and a great video, which, although it didn't get used, is still fun to watch to this day. It’s still so cool to catch up with people worldwide through a random Instagram DM or bumping into them on vacation. This year, I really got to expand my networking, and it significantly enhanced my overall ICDC experience.

Now that you know my top three tips from my experience as a competitor at ICDC, I think my work here is done. But wait, what about your next ICDC adventure? How will you make it extraordinary? “Tikki, spots off.” So, how will you “be the one” at your next ICDC?

Ideas, insights, and inspirations - College Preparation Outlook

By Andres Valle, Montwood High School, District 10 President 24-25

Preparing for college can feel overwhelming, like preparing for a DECA event at the last minute. Just kidding! Well, sort of. The college application process is intimidating for EVERYONE, so don’t stress about trying to do everything perfectly. Colleges want to see the real you – your personality, experiences, and thoughts. My friend, who’s now headed to Yale, gave me the best advice: It’s not about how much you do but what you do with your opportunities. With that in mind, here are a few things I’ve been doing to prepare for college.

1. Start Early!

Do not wait until the last minute to start thinking about college. Start early so you have plenty of time to research schools, prepare for tests, and get your applications in without stressing out.

2. Research Colleges!

Take some time to look into different colleges and find the ones that really fit you. Think about:

• Programs: Make sure they have majors and programs you’re interested in.

• Location: Do you want to be in a big city, a small town, or somewhere in between?

• Size: Do you prefer a big university or a smaller college?

• Campus Life: What’s the vibe on campus? Are there clubs and activities you’d enjoy?

• Financial Aid: Check out the financial aid options and scholarships they offer.

3. Build Relationships with Teachers!

Get to know your teachers and school counselors well. You’ll need them to write recommendation letters, and it’s better if they really know you.

4. Make Yourself Stand Out!

College admissions see so many applications with the same extracurriculars: student council, Key Club, etc. There's nothing wrong with those clubs, but how do they make YOU stand out? For example, I love video editing. It might sound corny, but I’ve been doing it since I was 12. I have 20K followers on Instagram and even collaborated with a famous artist to help produce a music video with 7 million views!

5. Take Care of Your Mental Health!

The college application process is different for everyone, and what may have worked for me may not work for you. Also, college isn’t the end of the world, so make sure you’re taking care of your mental health while the season comes.

These are just a few things I’ve been doing to prepare for college application season. Remember, it’s all about showing colleges who you are and making the most of your opportunities. Good luck!