Say Hello to PRowl's New Leaders

Over the weekend, PRowl Public Relations held a leadership retreat for all of our newly selected leaders. The incoming Firm Director, current Firm Director, and current Executive Board led a presentation on PRowl's policies and future. 

Leadership retreat is important for the transition and understanding of one's new role in the firm. Additionally, the retreat is an excellent way for our firm to receive feedback from those who are members, and efficiently execute the ideas they have for the growth of the firm.

(Source:Tiny HR)

PRowl's 2015-2016 Executive Board:

Alyssa Guckin, Firm Director

Rute Barkai, Assistant Firm Director

Faiz Mandviwalla, Assistant Firm Director

Maggie Wurst, Assistant Firm Director

Helena Wilcox, Director of Public Relations

Gabrielle Lacherza, Director of Finance

Shaun Luberski, Secretary

PRowl's 2015-2016 Account Executives:

Kelly Armstrong

Christina Clemence

Rene Cosides

Janelle Grace

Megan Healy

Hannah Litchfield, Junior AE

Olivia Noble

The new Executive Board will have its first task in two weeks - interviewing and hiring new staff members for the Fall semester! Email prowlsecretary@gmail.com to set up an interview on April 27, 28, or 29. Applicants will need to provide a resume and writing sample upon interviewing.

Understanding Leadership in Your Workplace or Organization

This past May, I attended the LeaderShape Institute with Temple University, a six-day long leadership retreat. On the second day of the program, we talked about leadership styles and took the DiSC Classic Personality Test. This test helps you understand yourself and others by giving you a framework for understanding human behavior. DiSC stands for dominance, influence, steadiness, and conscientiousness. After completing the test, you find out the strength of these qualities are in your own personality. 

I found out that I am a “C,” which places an emphasis on work that ensures quality and accuracy. After taking the test and finding out which letter each of us represented, we found that our different strengths in our leadership styles, when combined, are beneficial, especially in your organization or workplace.  Whether you represent dominance, influence, steadiness, or conscientiousness all four of these qualities are needed:

Dominance (D) – This type of person likes getting immediate results, shaping the environment, making quick decisions, managing trouble, solving problems, and questioning the status quo. A person with a dominant personality needs others who use caution, weigh pros and cons, research facts, calculate risks, and recognize the needs of others.

Influence (i) – This type of person likes contacting people, being articulate, creating a motivating environment, generating enthusiasm, and entertaining people. An influencer needs others who respect sincerity, develop systematic approaches, take a logical approach, concentrate on the task, and seek facts.

Steadiness (S) – This type of person enjoys performing in a consistent, predictable manner, demonstrating patience, helping others, showing loyalty, being a good listener, and creating a stable, efficient work environment. A person with this personality needs others who react quickly to unexpected change, apply pressure on others, work well in an unpredictable environment, and are flexible in work procedures.

Conscientiousness (C) – This type of person likes being diplomatic with people, critically analyzing performance, concentrating on details, approaching situations systematically, and weighing pros and cons. This person needs others who delegate important tasks, encourage teamwork, use policies as guidelines, and make quick decisions.

Whichever letter you represent, you bring value to your workplace or organization. You may even have qualities from two or more DiSC areas. As you can see, you need others with different strengths and leadership styles to help make your workplace or organization the best it can be. What type of leader are you? 

This guest blog post was written by PRowl staff member Megan Healy. 

How to Succeed as a PRowl Account Executive

This year I took on the leadership role of account executive, leading a group of five PRowl account members. Before taking on this role, I had no idea what to expect, other than it would be a lot of work.

Now, with new leaders on the rise, I’m writing to share my insights on how to be a successful account executive and enjoy every minute of it.

1. Set Goals: Brainstorming your goals for you and your team are key in your account’s success. It’s important to know what each of your account members’ goals are so you can help them achieve them throughout the year.

2. Have a Plan: Being prepared goes a long way, especially when leading a team. Have an agenda and game plan in mind so your team takes you and your plan seriously.

3. Be Personable: Your account members should feel comfortable coming to you with any problems, concerns, or advice in general. Be open with your team, and they will likewise be open with you. 

4. Be Honest: As they say, honesty is the best policy! If you want your team to trust your judgment and overall decisions, you need to be honest with one another from the start.

5. Work with your AFD: Always keep in mind your Assistant Firm Director is there for you. My AFD was always someone I was able to call if I was stressed, confused or just wanted to talk in general. 

I am happy to say, after a long year, I will be taking on the role of an account executive again and I could not be more excited!

Have you ever thought of becoming an account executive or leader in PRowl?  

5 To-Do List Items For New Leaders

We recently held interviews for internal promotions within our firm! This time is extremely exciting for PRowl, as we watch new leaders emerge and work to take the firm to new levels. Taking on a leadership role, or moving up to a new level, can be a difficult transition. The leadership in an organization, especially in a professional setting, can be the determining factor of progress and success.

When taking on a leadership role, consider these five tips to start off on the right track:

1. Evaluate the situation. Before jumping in, it is crucial to determine where you are really starting. If possible, talk to the person who held the role you're assuming prior to you. Ask what he or she set out to go, what goals they accomplished and any problems that they encountered. Also, take this time to evaluate your team members. Ask what they enjoyed about the previous leader, and what they found to be insufficient, and if they feel valued. 

2. Set goals for yourself. Now that you better know what to expect in your role, and have had time to gauge the feelings of your team, you can get goals to work towards. Use the information you gathered in the first point to set realistic and attainable goals for yourself. These goals should be reflective of improvements you would like to make and the feedback your team offered. Remember, you should be working for the good of the group.

3. Share your goals and vision with the team. Once you have some direction for yourself, it is important that you get your team onboard. Share your goals with them, and explain why you have selected these goals. Also, share how those goals play into the larger vision for the work the group will produce. Ask for feedback from your team; you will need their support in making this goals come to pass! 

4. Set collective goals. Now that you have explained yourself to the team, and built their confidence in you, it's important to bring their wants and needs into the picture. As a collective unit, you should set realistic internal and external goals. An internal goal could be along the lines of "Have a social gathering together once a month," and an external goal could include "Produce twice as much client work as we did last month." Setting goals together allows every member of the group to feel valued, and builds trust in knowing you are working for the same things.

5. Assign roles and responsibility. Now that you and your team are on the same page, you all can decide who will carry out which tasks. Be sure to explicitly describe all expectations and responsibilities, clear communication now will avoid problems down the line.

Be sure to document everything that you and your team decides so that everything can be referred to later. Revisit your original plans often to see how much progress you and your team have made since you first began your journey as a leader.

When taking on new leadership roles, what first steps do you take (or would you take) or see that things run smoothly?

Signs Of A Successful Internship Supervisor

There are dozens of blog posts and articles on do's and don'ts for interns, but very few about the people they report to. An internship supervisor or coordinator has a lot to manage. Not only are they in charge of delegating assignments and keeping interns on track, they also have to fulfill their regular duties as an employee. It is most definitely a balancing act. Even the most diligent and responsible intern can have an awful internship experience if his or her supervisor isn't up to par. 

So before you blame it all on the intern, consider these things about his or her supervisors:

Do they give assignments aimlessly? The purpose of an internship is to learn; becoming more confident in your strengths and overcoming weaknesses. A good internship supervisor will know what his or her intern is good at and what could use improvement. Guidance should always be given when needed to help the intern reach that next level in their skill set. If your supervisor simply shouts an assignment sans explanation or assistance, it may be time to address the issue.

Do they know the intern's goals? When I started my current internship, my direct supervisor asked me what I wanted to accomplish during my time as an intern. This is essential in insuring that an intern gets the best possible experience. The intern's goals should be expressed at the start of the internship, and the supervisor should help the intern achieve them!

Do they give feedback? If you leave an internship with a hundred terrible writing samples, then was it even worth your time? No. It's great when interns get to tackle new assignments and do hands-on work, but without feedback it is all pointless. A supervisor should go over assignments with interns, tell them what's strong and what could use improvement. This is how growth happens, feedback is essential!

Do interns feel comfortable approaching them? Many times, an internship is a college student's first peek into the professional world. An intern may assume that certain things are protocol and be hesitant to speak up or ask questions. It is crucial that supervisors create an environment where interns feel that it is safe for them to ask questions, learn from mistakes, and seek out opportunities. Everyone works better in a peaceful work environment. 

So, does your internship supervisor seem to measure up? If you are a supervisor, do you think you embody these qualities? Share your thoughts!

How To: Become A Leader - Step Up Today!

According to Dictionary.com, a leader is “a person or thing that leads.” To me, a leader is so much more than that. A leader is someone who goes above and beyond, who truly WANTS to make a difference. To lead is to inspire. Throughout my life I have taken every leadership opportunity that has come my way. Although it was difficult and I wanted to rip my hair out at times, I learned a great deal about myself and grew as a person because of it. 

Not quite sure how to step up and stand out amongst your peers? Here are some tips that may help you overcome what is holding you back! 

1. Get involved: There is no such thing as getting involved in a club or organization too soon. The earlier the better! Getting involved will help you gain the experience and skills needed to prepare you for that leadership position that you’ve been wanting since you joined.                                                    
2. Surround yourself with mentors: Keep in mind that your mentors are there to help and guide you. Observe the habits of those who have yielded the success that you aim to achieve, and you will be one step closer to following in their footsteps. 
3. Don’t hesitate to offer help: Your peers will take notice when you make the effort to go the extra mile and offer them your help. The saying, “A little bit goes a long way” truly does apply in the real world. Offering assistance, even the littlest bit, will help you stand out! 
4. Always ask questions: The worst thing you can do is not ask a question and then make a mistake because you were “pretty sure” you knew the answer. Never be afraid to ask a question, no matter how small or silly you think it is. 

Yes, stepping up in any given situation can be challenging and quite intimating, especially when you are the youngest! But believe me, these challenging roles do pay off! Have you ever been afraid to take on a leadership role? Let us know what helped you overcome your fear! 

This guest blog post was written by PRowl Staff Member Amanda White.

PRowl Public Relations Executive Board 2013-2014

After reviewing applications and partaking in an intense interview process, the executive board for 2013-2014 has finally been selected! These new executive board members showed incredible dedication to the firm and will begin their positions in the Fall of 2013. All new executive board members are exemplary leaders and will have no trouble transitioning into their new positions.

Congratulations to all of our new additions!

Amber Burns, Assitant Firm Director

London Faust, Assistant Firm Director

Jordan Washington, Director of Public Relations

Kadesha Holder, Director of Finance

Kelly Dougherty, Secretary

We would also like to extend our best wishes for our newest editions to the Account Executive team!

Alison Curran, Account Executive

Alyssa Guckin, Account Exectuive

Amanda White, Account Executive

We look forward to another exciting year at PRowl Public Relations!

Follow The Leader

During my summer internship one phrase was sure to be said in the office everyday by one of my superiors: teamwork makes the dream work. A simple phrase that means just what it says. It takes more than a leader to run an effective team, it takes a group of people willing to follow that leader. In college courses and even in the real world, it is common for leadership skills to be stressed. Students are always encouraged to take on leadership positions in the classroom and within student organizations. While learning to be an affective leader is extremely important, it is equally as important to learn how to be a good follower.

In public relations, there is no room for big egos and power struggles. Projects in PR usually require the cooperation of many people with different personalities. You may find yourself answering to a superior who you do not agree or get along with. Personal feelings and biases aside, it is important to know how to respond to, work with, and respect those put in leadership positions. When you find yourself taking the follower role, be sure to remember these points:

• Patience is a virtue: Even in public relations, not everything is going to happen when you want it to happen. If someone leading you, your team, or your group maps out a plan that takes more time that you think necessary, bare with it. Everything will pan out in due time.
• Listen before you speak: Do not automatically put down the ideas of others. Listen intently, take notes when others speak, and ask questions about points you are unclear of. Interrupting and interjecting your own thoughts and opinions while others are speaking will deem you rude and unable to cooperate. It is okay to disagree, but make sure you have a reason to first.
• Keep the leader in the loop: Especially in larger groups or teams, it is virtually impossible for the leader to be everywhere at once. If something or someone isn't upholding the vision of the leader, which should also be the vision of the team, be sure to let the leader know in a respectful and courteous way.
• Respect, Respect, Respect: Always remember that the leader is just that: a leader. You should treat your leader with high levels of respect at all times. Even if you have a casual relationship with someone in a leadership role, you should always remain professional and remember to respect boundaries.

Most importantly, remember that it takes a good follower to become a good leader. If you keep these pointers in mind, you will be leading the pack in no time!

StratComm's #LeadershipLookbook Shines from Head to Toe

Photo Courtesy of Sharla Feldscher

Last night, the Department of Strategic Communication (StratComm) hosted it's first-ever Leadership Lookbook event, an evening designed to teach students about the importance of leadership and professional dress in the workplace.

With over 30 students in attendance from the School of Communications and Theater, the event began with Dr. Tracey Weiss, a StratComm professor, and Shari DaCosta, a StratComm alumnus, who spoke to the audience about becoming a leader in your career. Students were also informed about the benefits of the department's leadership minor, which teaches students one of the most desired traits by today's employers.

Four of StratComm's very own students "hit the runway" as they modeled looks from Les Richards Menswear and Ann Taylor. Knowledgeable representatives from both retailers gave great tips and advice to audience attendees on how to assemble a professional outfit for both men and women, while further emphasizing the importance of dress and first impressions during the job search process.

To complete the leadership look, representatives from Jean Madeline Salons provided live hair and makeup demonstrations during the event to teach students that a professional look doesn't just end after the suit. Quick and easy tips were given to students on how to achieve a polished look, from smooth hair to healthy skin.

At the end of the event, various prizes were raffled off to audience members including gift cards for local restaurants, gift cards to Jean Madeline Salons and a free suit courtesy of Les Richards Menswear.

Les Richards Menwear will continue to help Temple University men get the leadership edge with an extra 10% discount throughout the month of April with the presentation of a Temple ID.

For more information about the Department of Strategic Communication, follow @StratCommTU on Twitter or visit http://www.facebook.com/StratCommTU.

Must-Reads for the PR Pro: Succeeding in Organizational Leadership

As public relations professionals, the best way to stay up to date with the industry is to curl up with a good read, whether it is a book, article or blog post. Take some of your free time during break to pick up one of the books reviewed below:

Onward: How Starbucks Fought for Its Life without Losing Its Soul by Howard Schulz

“Onward” is a great book to learn more about organizational structure and image, as well as leadership. It provides a first-hand account of how Starbucks recreated itself, and how CEO Howard Schulz developed his main leadership philosophy. This book is especially appropriate in terms of seeing how a company was able to be successful and revive its image in one of the most tumultuous economic times in history.

The New Rules of Marketing and PR by David Meerman Scott

Especially important for the modern workplace, “The New Rules of Marketing and PR” is a great read. It provides readers with the knowledge of how web communications may benefit your business. Establishing a proper personal relationship with your customers via the Internet is essential in the new media world. The book offers first-hand examples of marketing and PR trends, techniques for using social media sites, an action plan for utilizing new media and suggestions of how to craft powerful, effective messages.

The World is Flat, 3.0 by Tom Friedman

To know your world is to be a better public relations practitioner. Tom Friedman helps readers to understand globalization. It is important to know how globalization provides opportunities for individual and organizational success, how it is helping poverty around the world and how it may be detrimental environmentally, socially and politically. The book helps address the essential question “How may globalization effect different industries?”

How to Win Friends and Influence People

This was one of the first books I read relating to public relations, and one of the most influential I have read so far. The best advice I received from this book is how to communicate with others and to value them and instead of manipulating their attitudes and beliefs working to change them by ethical means.

Do you have any PR reads to add to our list? Let us know!

This guest blog was written by PRowl Public Relations staff member Kurie Fitzgerald.

Missing: Important Leadership Traits

Leadership is a concept that everyone has discussed over and over again. Discussions about what makes a “good” leader frequent every classroom and workshop across the country. The older I get, the more I wonder about leadership and a person’s ability to lead effectively. My personal curiosity caused an exploration of those forgotten leadership traits that all leaders should possess.

What comes to mind when you think of an effective and successful leader? Most answers would include organized, strong public speaking skills, ability to motivate, and approachable. Each of those is important, but what about other skills like humility, listening, and face-to-face communication?

Humility is often a skill that many successful people do not possess. It is especially difficult to lose that “rockstar” attitude and be brought back down to earth. For leaders, humility is about admitting your shortcomings as a leader (and person sometimes too) and seeing how those weaknesses effect the group. A Forbes article states “Great leaders, like great parents, will grit their teeth and accept the painful reality that they are almost always the reason something is awry in their organizations. They’ll accept the pain of being humbled and set themselves on a course of correction.” The organization as a whole will improve because a leader is willing to sacrifice his or her ego.

As a young leader, I am often talking about plans, strategies, and assignments for my account. While it is important to be an articulate speaker, listening is also extremely important. Our society has become proficient in relaying messages and persuading audiences. But, the art of listening negates all of that. Instead, it is simple, focused attention on the speaker to find out their intentions, goals, or even fears. Listeners should actively ask questions in order to fully understand what the speaker is saying. Listening skills and face-to-face communication are complimentary, lost leadership traits.

Face-to-face interaction is near obsolete in today’s technology-driven world, where people Tweet job offers and blog about their breakups. Again, technology and social media are helpful but nothing can replace face-to-face communication. Duke University’s men’s basketball coach, Mike Krzyzewski believes the only way to motivate a team is through constant, face-to-face communication, where a level of trust can be established. Additionally, talking and meeting with people in person allows messages to be expressed clearly with more fluid dialogue.

What are other lost leadership traits? How should leaders better develop these skills? Let us know!

This guest blog was written by PRowl Public Relations staff member Alex Crispino.

Taking the Leadership Challenge

Temple University's Office of Leadership Development hosts a leadership seminar in the beginning of each semester. Last Fall, when I was a Freshman, I attended one as part of an extra credit assignment for a PR class. When some of my PRowl coworkers told me that they had just came back from the same seminar, I was excited. It's always exciting when young people step up and take a challenge, like going to a leadership workshop with a bunch of strangers on a Saturday morning.

Public relations professionals definitely wear a lot of hats, but I personally believe that leader is the main hat. In "5 Tips For Becoming A Better Leader" Karen-Michelle Mirko highlights how to improve your skills as a leader:

1. Lead by example-Sometimes the best way to learn is to do it yourself. Bossing people around and telling them what to do instead of how to doesn't help them, and it certainly doesn't help you in the long run. Make sure you keep the lines of communication open and free of any judgment. Also, keep in mind that those that are newer to the field will be looking to you as a model of what they should be like.



2. Communicate your vision-It can be hard for others to understand where you are coming from. Try to keep them in the loop, like allowing interns to shadow you and brainstorm ideas. This is a great way for young people to get their feet wet by seeing the level of quality you expect and how you expect it.


3. Hire people to complement, not duplicate you-It's easy to hire people who remind me of you when you were starting out, you feel that nostalgia of how you felt at that age. However, you shouldn't always strive for your clone, but someone who complements your skills. If you're a strong speaker but weaker in writing, someone who is stronger in writing will be able to help you write a conference-worthy speech. Breaking the cycle will also introduce new talent into your office and promote a more diverse and creative atmosphere.


4. Address conflict-Ignoring a problem never makes it better. Confronting issues at hand face-to-face will ensure a better outcome than straight out avoidance. Also, take notice of the effect of your decisions on co-workers and try to have an outcome that suits the overall health of the entire organization.


5. Encourage leadership in others-Give others the chance to step up, as my PRowl co-workers did this past weekend. By doing so, they will feel more adequately prepared when the situation arises for them to take on more responsibility as your organization expands. They are the future and will prove to be your biggest asset.

Do you consider yourself a leader? If so, do you have anything to add to these tips? Let us know!

How Students Can Be Better Leaders in PR

The following blog post was written by Jason Mollica, '97 Temple Alum.


I recently finished President George W. Bush’s book “Decision Points.” As someone who is a history buff and enjoys reading about how president’s think, I was eager to dive in. There have been 44 men that have led our country and each one was different from the other. All have had their own difficult decisions: war, economic uncertainty and political turmoil.

As I read “Decision Points,” two things continued to strike me: Leadership requires good listening skills and trust in those around you. Whether it’s the oval office or your PR firm, success can be determined by how good you are at trusting your instincts and having a team of solid, critical thinkers. It is also what should appeal to you when interviewing for a job as well.

How do you build up your own leadership skills? It’s simple. Never stop learning and listening. Presidents aren’t experts and neither are senior level PR pros. But, they choose employees and advisors that (hopefully) help strengthen the country or a firm. In turn, they add to a leader’s skill set.


Here are five ways you can become a better, stronger leader:


1) Open your mind- Don’t believe the first thing you hear. Research and understand both sides of a story or person.

2) Think, Think, Think- I firmly believe that you shouldn’t make snap decisions when it comes to life and career. Look at all your options.

3) Respect your competition- See what they do right and don’t criticize them in the process. Set the standard for doing it right… your way.

4) Make it happen- People want to respect you. Give them a reason to do so and follow-up on mails, phone calls, promptly. Receive a business card from someone? Drop an email to show you respected the time you chatted.

5) Be yourself- Don’t put on an act because people can see through a fake. Be the same person you are when presenting at a conference, in the classroom, or over the phone.


Leadership doesn’t happen overnight; it’s developed and nurtured. The only way to start on the path to being a good leader is starting right now.


Jason Mollica is a 1997 graduate of Temple University's School of Communication and Theater. Since then, he has worked in television and radio in Philadelphia and New York City. Upon leaving the industry in 2005, he began a career in public relations and marketing. He is currently the public relations manager for Carr Marketing Communications in Amherst, N.Y. You can follow him on Twitter, @JasMollica, and read his blog at http://oneguysjourney.wordpress.com

The Next Generation of PRowl Leaders

Although it is not quite time to say goodbye (the current PRowl Public Relations board will continue blogging until Friday, May 13), I would like to welcome and introduce the new executive board of PRowl, as well as the account executives who will be leading our teams to achieve successful campaigns for our clients in the year ahead.

Yesterday, at our last staff meeting of the semester, incoming Firm Director Niki Ianni announced the firm's leadership for the fall 2011-spring 2012 academic year.

Executive Board
Firm Director: Niki Ianni
Assistant Firm Directors: Emily Ascani, Samantha Wanner
Director of Public Relations: Marianna Morris
Director of Finance: Doug Bennett

Other Leadership
Secretary/Fundraising Liaison: Kaitlin Tully
Account Executives: Meagan Prescott, Doug Bennett, Evan Galusha, Alex Crispino

Congratulations to PRowl's next generation of leaders!

On Becoming A Leader

Monday marked my first official day as the new firm director of PRowl Public Relations. While I am anxious about following in the footsteps of our graduating director who has strengthened and grown our student-run firm into a sought after agency within the last three years, I am also incredibly excited to have the opportunity to help lead my staff in learning and growing within the industry. As a leader, you are expected to guide, inspire, encourage and motivate your staff into becoming better professionals. Needless to say, it is no easy task. Therefore, I thought I would share some insight on what it takes to be a good leader.

Create your vision.
All leaders have a compelling vision that must inspire others to take action. Whether you are leading a firm or simply leading a group project, have a firm and clear understanding of the direction you want to move in and the overall goal you want to accomplish. When you have a clear understanding of your vision, it is easier to communicate that vision to others in order to inspire them to help you in achieving it.

Work towards excellence.
Never accept anything less than excellent. When you have high standards, others will as well. Always have a pride in your work by continually developing and strengthening your knowledge in skills. Excellence indicates a passion and a love for your work, and when that passion is obvious, it is contagious to everyone around you.

Be an excellent communicator.
When you are a leader, it is imperative that you know how to effectively communicate your expectations. You need to be approachable and compassionate, yet firm in order to gain their respect. When mistakes are made or expectations are not met, it is important to understand how to appropriately handle the situation while not losing motivation. State explicitly what you expect of your members and show them respect, and in turn they will listen and perform accordingly.


I am beyond excited to help grow PRowl Public Relations to the next level next year. I would love to hear what other tips you have to offer for myself or other up-and-coming leaders. Let us know!