Dear Friends and Colleagues,
As my term on the ASHA Board of Directors comes to an end and the holiday season is in full swing, I have the privilege of posting my thoughts on leadership, per Gail Richard's invitation.
As I think about leadership during this season of giving, I reflect on how much I have benefited from the gifts of my colleagues with whom I have shared volunteer service to ASHA. These gifts have included being challenged, appreciated, questioned, valued, and respected as we worked with shared commitment and passion on the tasks involved with association governance. These gifts have also included caring, support, consideration, kindness and humor as we also spent time together on less formal tasks and activities. Perhaps the most important gift is the one that keeps most of us involved in our leadership endeavors, and that is the gift of friendship that extends beyond the time of shared volunteer service.
Gail reminded us that volunteer leadership requires a serious commitment of our time to our association, and how effective time management improves our ability to contribute that most valuable of gifts. Nadine Martin shared her observations about being a reluctant leader and reminded us how important it is for leaders to give others the gift of encouragement. Lynn Williams described how leaders sometimes need to "amp up" their giving so that their contributions are more meaningful.
I realize that serving in a leadership role often requires a significant commitment of personal time and resources. It also requires a certain degree of knowledge, skills, and hopefully a passion for doing the work. My own leadership experience mirrors that of my colleagues, that if you manage your time effectively, encourage others to take that leap of faith, and "amp up" your commitment, you will discover that your own leadership journey will truly be the gift that keeps on giving.
All the best for a joyful holiday season!
Melanie
------------------------------
Melanie W. Hudson M.A., CCC-SLP F-ASHA
Member, ASHA Board of Directors
Chair, SLP Advisory Council
melaniehudsonslp@comcast.net678-357-1856
------------------------------