Stephanie,
This is an excellent question and one that is at the root of any established leadership training program.
There are those individuals who do not find networking to be a natural tendency, just as there are those who thrive on it, and knowing how to “work a room” is in their DNA.
I would suggest that you reach out to someone who is already in a leadership role, perhaps through a mutual colleague who may facilitate an introduction on your behalf. State your interest in in becoming more involved in leadership opportunities, and ask if they would be willing to meet with you for coffee or something similar in order to become better acquainted and to learn more about one another’s experiences.
Each of us in leadership roles has had those individuals who have taken us under their wings and helped us forge a path on our leadership journey. It is something that most of us enjoy doing, very much like the satisfaction we derive from supporting our clients and students on achieving their specific goals.
In the spirit of giving back, and securing the future of our professions, there is someone out there who would be both delighted and honored to be approached for such an opportunity. All you have to do is ask!
Melanie
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Melanie W. Hudson M.A., CCC-SLP F-ASHA
Member, ASHA Board of Directors
Chair, SLP Advisory Council
melaniehudsonslp@comcast.net678-357-1856
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-22-2018
From: Stephanie O'Silas
Subject: Members that want Mentors
I was inspired by the ongoing discussion under "Savvy Networking" to expand this question that the group is currently discussing: "What advice may you give someone that is not as comfortable with networking?"
I want to extend this question to members and those that have had leadership roles within the Advisory Council (AC) or Board of Directors (e.g. VP, President…etc.). From your experience, can you share networking tips on how one might secure a mentor that is already in a leadership position? For those that desire to one day serve ASHA's BOD/AC and are hungry for an ongoing mentor-mentee relationship, how can they navigate contacting a member already in a leadership position and forging an ongoing, open communication with them?
Other than Leadership Academy, is there another platform, pathway, or targeted approach that you'd recommend?
Does ASHA have a designated group of leadership that has already expressed interest and willingness to mentor members for specific roles of interest? Is this an instance where cold calls/emails are warranted?
Let's not forget the category of members that may be struggling with networking skills as well. Are there more structured approaches for them? Any advice to offer?
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Stephanie O'Silas, M.S. CCC/SLP
Champion Rehabilitation & Support Services PLLC
Vibra Specialty Hospital
Speech-Language Pathologist
services@championtomorrow.com
Dallas, TX
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