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

Leadership is the ability to develop a vision that motivates others to move with a passion toward common goals Definition

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

Policy Maker Activity Leader Contributor Helper Participant Reader Loyalist Symbolist Oblivious Marginal Board Member Committee Chair Committee Member Performs one task Attends events Follows from afar Support the cause Values appearances Thinks is licensure Looking for the exit Motivation Levels Point of Entry

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

Assoc. editor reviewer editor Session convener Program committee Meetings committee Student paper judge Leadership pathways Communicate with elected reps PublicationsMeetingsOutreach Committee chairSection officer Union officer Policy committee

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

Assoc. editor reviewer editor Session convener Program committee Meetings committee Student paper judge Leadership pathways Communicate with elected reps PublicationsMeetingsOutreach Committee chairSection officer Union officer Policy committee

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

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 Goals

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.