Leadership Class Showcases Projects at Convention

Abstract

You have accessThe ASHA LeaderASHA News1 Dec 2008Leadership Class Showcases Projects at Convention Erin RedlePhD, CCC-SLP Erin Redle Google Scholar More articles by this author , PhD, CCC-SLP https://doi.org/10.1044/leader.AN1.13172008.26 SectionsAbout ToolsAdd to favorites ShareFacebookTwitterLinked In The 20 members of the 2008 Leadership Development Program (LDP) capped more than six months of training at the 2008 ASHA Convention in Chicago with the presentation of a personal leadership project. The training began with a Leadership Development Institute at the ASHA national office, followed by coaching conference calls, and culminated in the convention presentations. Chosen from more than 90 applicants, the 2008 class was selected for demonstrated leadership in professional and community positions as well as potential for leadership within the discipline. ASHA developed the LDP program in 2007 as a mechanism to ensure qualified volunteers are ready to assume leadership roles within the association. Steps to Leadership The Leadership Institute began in darkness—literally—in June. Participants traveled from across the country into a stormy, powerless D.C. metro area. Fortunately, electrical power was restored just in time to begin the two-and-a half day session, which addressed developing a leadership style, identifying traits of highly successful people, recognizing behavioral styles, establishing expectations, building the skills of others, and coaching for optimal success. ASHA staff presented information on volunteer leadership opportunities within the organization, project management, and ASHA’s strategic pathway. Arlene Pietranton, ASHA executive director, shared her thoughts on the future of the association. “The institute allowed participants to identify leadership skills and network with colleagues,” said Kelly Farquhasen-Schussler, a speech-language pathologist from Pennsylvania. “The Leadership Development Institute helped me to highlight my areas of strengths and areas of need as a leader. This self-analysis allows me to focus on skills that I want to develop while appreciating the skills that I already have,” she said. Expanded Discussions Recognizing that leadership is not developed or sustained in just a few days, participants held biweekly conference calls over the following six months. The discussions expanded on the topics presented at the institute, including goal-setting, team synergy, and increasing achievement drive. Bob Arzt, a leadership consultant and president of Polaris One, led the group through a series of additional readings, audio lectures, and written reflections. SLP Sharon Parisi of Massachusetts said the conference calls reaffirmed the training. “Hearing everyone’s voice was positive reinforcement to stay focused,” she said. The leadership projects developed by LDP participants provided an opportunity to implement leadership and project management skills. All the projects involved organizing a team effort toward an outcome specified by the leader, and included a local brain injury/stroke support group developed by SLP Lee Robinson of Brigham Young University, a computerized resource for school-based SLPs related to Medicaid billing developed by SLP Carol B. Fleming of Arkansas, and an “Operation Career Day” recruitment event in Vermont organized by SLP Gayle Belin. Participants completed additional training at the convention with Arzt and attended committee and board meetings. Each participant presented a summary of his or her leadership project to the class and to the invited ASHA Board of Directors. A reception celebrated the accomplishments of this year’s class and offered graduates a chance to network with ASHA Board members, committee leaders, and members of the inaugural class of 2007. Future Directions The LDP class looks forward to serving ASHA and the discipline for many years to come. “The training not only improved our management skills, but provided essential tools for increasing efficacy, productivity, and fulfillment in our own lives and for nurturing positivism in all those around us,” said New York SLP Soren Lowell. Suzanne Kimball, an Illinois audiologist, noted that strong leadership is important for audiology to maintain a strong base within ASHA. “The LDP has allowed me to fine-tune my leadership skills so that I can do my part to keep audiology a viable part of ASHA,” she said. Applications for the 2009 LDP will be available in mid-December on the ASHA Web site. For more information, contact Maureen Thompson at [email protected]. Projects Completed by 2008 LDP Participants The Healthcare Professional in Training: A Holistic Guide to Success for the Nash Health Care Systems Intern Defining a Conceptual Framework for Program Assessment in Communication Sciences and Disorders Sponsored Silence: Building Public Awareness and Promoting the Profession An Evidence-Based Practice Model Across the Academic and Clinical Settings Advancing Knowledge and Practice in Management of Dysphagia in Schools Author Notes Erin Redle, PhD, CCC-SLP, a member of the 2008 LDP class, is an SLP at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Contact her at [email protected]. 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