Leadership Challenge
I am proud to be a chemist because I help people! That is what we do, as chemists, we help people. We accomplish this noble goal through our science and willingness to tackle the most difficult problems facing our planet. We have learned though our discipline and practice how to fail. From these failures and set backs, like the phoenix, we arise stronger, smarter, and more capable to achieve our goals. However, it is not the only way we can help people or make a difference in the lives of those in our communities – locally and globally. The same skills that we use in the laboratory we can use to organize and lead those around us for the betterment of society. Now more than ever, we need your leadership, your passion, your mastery of the Seven C’s to rebuild the Society, and more importantly to help deliver the message that as chemists we improve people’s lives through the transforming power of chemistry.
Who knew that training in chemistry would also give you some of the skills necessary to become an effective leader! Because we are comfortable with running experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing logical conclusions we are miles ahead of those outside the discipline. We make decisions predicated facts, without losing the human element. Because we are comfortable with uncertainty and change we are in a very unique position to make enormous contributions through our leadership. Remember, “In times of change learners inherit the earth while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to work in a world that not longer exists.” (Eric Hoffer, 1902-1983). We are learners because we are experimentalists – use the method and make a difference!
I invite each of you to become a more involved leader in the Society. There is so much to do, and your leadership is vital to the long term viability of the ACS. Ask yourself, how do I want to make a difference? What do I feel passionate enough about that I would be willing to donate my time to make a difference? Find a place and plug in! Your voice, ideas, and talents are critical inputs to a dialog that must occur - now. Not everyone will want to hear your voice; not everyone will welcome your leadership but effective leaders “…face piles of trials with smiles it riles them to believe that you perceive the web they weave…and keep on thinking free,” (The Moody Blues – On the Threshold of a Dream) do not give up! You would not give up in the lab – don’t give up here. If you are having trouble finding the right place to practice your leadership skill, contact me, and I will help you find a place to contribute.
For those of us who may not feel completely ready for leadership, take advantage of the ACS Leadership Training. At the Salt Lake City Meeting you will find the Seven C’s on full display at the ACS Presidential Symposium entitled “Leadership: Facing the Challenges of Today and Tomorrow” co-sponsored with the Board Oversight Group on Leadership Development on Monday, March 23, from 1:30-5:00 p.m. in the Grand Salon of the Grand America Hotel. This exciting event will bring together noted speakers to address the vital role of leadership in meeting the present and future challenges we face as an organization and a profession. These dynamic speakers will inspire you with their personal stories and share insights on how leadership is cornerstone to their success.
Immediately following the symposium, please join me at a reception to unveil the new ACS Leadership Development System at 5:00 p.m. in Grand Ballroom A at the same hotel. The ACS Leadership Development System is a comprehensive leadership curriculum that provides practical courses to advance your career, help you to be more effective in your position, and equip you with tools to more effectively lead ACS volunteer initiatives. You can be justifiably proud of the broad array of courses developed specifically for us, by us!
You can also register for the following for ACS Leadership Development Courses at the spring national meeting: Coaching and Feedback, Engaging Colleagues in Dialogue, Leading Change, Leading Without Authority, and Community Outside the Society. All courses will be held in the Hilton Salt Lake City Hotel.
Thank you for your effort in helping me rebuild the Society and for helping me put a human face on chemistry. I invite you to send me your comments, thoughts or suggestions. What outreach or community activity would be most effective at putting a human face on chemistry and how can we make it happen? Feel free to contact me at tom.lane@dowcorning.com, maingeek1@gmail.com, or tom.lane@charter.net.
Thomas H. Lane, Ph.D. is the 2009 President ACS and Director of Global Science and Technology Outreach, Dow Corning Corporation.