Transcript No Slide Title

Role of Scientific Societies in
Identifying and Training Scientists for
Leadership Positions
Catherine O’Riordan
AGU Society Activities Manager
Biocomplexity LWI/CC Workshop 4 Oct 2003
Definition
Leadership is the ability
to develop a vision
that motivates others
to move with a passion
toward common goals
Leaders Tell People
• Who we are as a community (Values)
• Where we are going (Goals)
• What it will feel like (Imagery)
• How we will get there (Plan)
• What you need to do (Commitment)
Management is the ability
to organize resources and
coordinate the execution of tasks
necessary to reach a goal
in a timely and cost effective manner
Term Differences
• Volunteers execute tasks
• Chairmen (managers) deploy programs
• Leaders inspire mission-enhancing change
Points worth remembering
1. These are not mutually exclusive roles
2. You can only stand so much leadership
Mission
• AGU is a worldwide scientific community that
advances, through unselfish cooperation in
research, the understanding of Earth and space for
the benefit of humanity.
• The mission of GSA is to advance the
geosciences, to enhance the professional growth of
its members, and to promote the geosciences in
the service of humankind.
Mission
• The purpose of ASLO is to foster a diverse,
international scientific community that creates,
integrates and communicates knowledge across
the full spectrum of aquatic sciences, advances
public awareness and education about aquatic
resources and research, and promotes scientific
stewardship of aquatic resources for the public
interest.
Mission
• The Ecological Society of America (ESA) is a
non-partisan, nonprofit organization of scientists
founded in 1915 to:
– promote ecological science by improving communication among
ecologists;
– raise the public's level of awareness of the importance of
ecological science;
– increase the resources available for the conduct of ecological
science; and
– ensure the appropriate use of ecological science in environmental
decision making by enhancing communication between the
ecological community and policy-makers.
Why are volunteers and leaders so
important to scientific societies?
• Greatly expand the intellectual resources of
the society
• Provide the backbone of the society
• Create ownership for the society and
scientific field
Motivation Levels
Policy Maker
Activity Leader
Contributor
Helper
Point of
Entry
Participant
Board Member
Committee Chair
Committee Member
Performs one task
Attends events
Reader
Follows from afar
Loyalist
Support the cause
Symbolist
Values appearances
Oblivious
Thinks is licensure
Marginal
Looking for the exit
Generic Motives
•
•
•
•
•
Generate/acquire information
Remove barriers, resolve problems
Altruism
Esteem (self and profession)
Instrumentality, advancement
Motives of Young Scientists
• The program appeals for scientific societies
motivate new members:
– explore career options;
– work with others to forge new research
directions;
– peer review the work of others to help
determine meaningful advancements;
– cultivate relationships with elected officials and
advocate on behalf of the profession;
Generic Needs of a Volunteer
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
A manageable task
A task that matches motivation
Clear instructions
Sense of mission-related purpose
Reasonable deadlines
Adequate training
A sense of support
Right information
Opportunity to give feedback
Appreciation
Leadership pathways
Publications
Meetings
Outreach
reviewer
Session convener
Student
paper judge
Assoc. editor
Program committee
Communicate
with elected reps
editor
Meetings committee
Policy committee
Committee chair
Section officer
Union officer
Judging student papers
Congressional Fellow/Mass Media luncheon
Pathway Analysis
• Identify the paths volunteers take in moving from initial
participation activities to top leadership positions
• Identify key commitment points when volunteers see
themselves on a leadership track
• Analyze pathway points for their leadership development
value and enhancement potential
Leadership pathways
Publications
Meetings
Outreach
reviewer
Session convener
Student
paper judge
Assoc. editor
Program committee
Communicate
with elected reps
editor
Meetings committee
Policy committee
Committee chair
Section officer
Union officer
To identify potential leaders
• Positions held by current leaders in their
pathway to the top
• Epiphany points when their commitment hit
that higher level
• Profile the motives or values they associate
with in explaining their commitment
System Enhancements
•
•
•
•
•
State-of-the-art training conference
Mentoring assignments by position
Expanded manuals, support materials
Decentralized, on-going strategic planning
Explicit succession plan
Leadership Conference Goals
To provide leadership training that helps participants become
competent in guiding the society toward the common vision of
the scientific field and their own individual leadership goals.
To provide leadership training that enhances the participants
contributions to their employer and their field, making them
better scientific leaders.
To identify future society leaders for a pathway plan
Leadership conference topics
• effective leadership
• determining your personal
leadership style
• attracting new members
• building a budget.
• strategic planning
• strategic thinking,
• facilitating groups,
• running effective meetings,
• meeting constituent
expectations,
• negotiating skills,
• presentation skills,
• managing time,
• motivating volunteers
• managing productive
committees
Success factors for new leaders
• Strong existing leadership/mentoring.
• Growing commitment to the mission.
• Adequate staff support and resources.
• Understanding the connection between
society procedures and benefits to
participants.
Appreciation.