PRESIDENTS’ PERSPECTIVES President’s Page
“L” Is for “Leadership” This article is reprinted from the August 2013 issue of the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (2013;113(8):1013).
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S WE CONTINUE EXPLORING the the principles of “CLIMB” (Collaborations, Leadership, Innovation, Mentorship, and Balance), this month I would like to cover the second aspect of this template for moving the Academy forward—leadership.
ENGAGE As a member-led organization, collaborative leadership is vital to the future success of our Academy and our profession. As with the century of leaders who came before us, what we do, what we say, the challenges we are willing to embrace, the risks we are willing to take, and the leadership we demonstrate together will affect the health of our nation and determine the opportunities of our profession for generations to come. Your voice and the example you set will help empower our members to be the food and nutrition leaders. Whether you hold a leadership position in the Academy or not, you are a leader. And in all activities in which we engage in 2013-2014, I have three things to ask of you.
YOUR TREASURE: SET THE EXAMPLE The Academy is our organization and nutrition and dietetics is our profession, but we didn’t get here alone! In a century of rich history, our own history, Carry the Flame, reminds us that we stand on the shoulders of giants—of women and men who had a vision for a healthy nation and were willing to work hard, take action, fight for policy changes, contribute financially, and create a legacy. Our leaders nearly 100 years ago made an investment in us by creating a profession to be proud of, and to benefit from. And now it is our turn to be investors: The next generations will stand on our shoulders. What we do together now makes a difference and creates our legacy. I’m asking you as a leader to set an example by becoming a philanthropist for our profession and contributing to our policy initiatives. Set an example as a leader:
YOUR TIME: BE PURPOSEFUL Begin with the end in mind. Whether at work, leading a team, or completing a project, be efficient and effective by making the complex simple. Keep the Academy’s mission and vision at the forefront of your mind and your work, and share them often with those around you. The new name of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the new optional credential of the registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) are helping to position our profession at the top of the list when our nation seeks leaders who can help improve the health of our nation. As a 2011 CNNMoney article indicated, dietetics ranks third among professions most likely to change the world for the better.1 Embrace the positive opportunities we have to do just that. ª 2014 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Join the Eat Right Society. Make a $250 tax deductible donation to the Academy’s Foundation (www. eatright.org/foundation) in support of research, scholarships, Kids Eat Right (www.eatright.org/ kidseatright), and so much more. Join the President’s Circle. Make a $250 contribution to the Academy’s Political Action Committee (ANDPAC; www. eatright.org/andpac). With nutrition and dietetics as our profession, politics must be our passion. Young Professionals and Students: Begin your investment now. Make a $50 donation to the Foundation and a contribution to ANDPAC. By doing so, you make an investment in the professional organization whose future belongs to you.
YOUR TALENTS: HELP OTHERS LEAD Speaking “from leader to leader,” thank you to all members for sharing your talents and expertise with the Academy. When you take an active leadership role, you can do much toward realizing your
Glenna McCollum dreams and passions. In the words of Warren Bennis, a pioneer in the field of leadership studies: “The process of becoming a leader is much the same as the process of becoming an integrated human being. For the leader, as for the integrated person, life itself is the career.”2
CATALYTIC LEADERSHIP As you lead by example, I also ask you to be a catalyst for others. Encourage your colleagues. Inspire our young professionals. Include our diverse members. For we know a mere encounter with catalytic leadership can provide an “ahha” moment, unveiling a part of ourselves perhaps hidden from us before. These moments change us! So I ask you to be the one to bring forth the best and greatest potential in those around you as you lead. Be a catalytic leader. Thank you for your willingness to serve and to give of your volunteer time, your treasure, and your professional talents. As we move into the future, I look forward to creating a lasting legacy with you—for our nation and for our profession. Dr Glenna McCollum, MPH, RDN
[email protected] http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2014.02.021
References 1.
Rosato D, Wong G. Best jobs for saving the world: 3. Dietitian. CNNMoney website. http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/ best-jobs/2011/jobs-helping-others/3.html. Accessed May 24, 2013.
2.
Bennis W. Introduction to the original edition, 1989. On Becoming a Leader. Philadelphia, PA: Basic Books; 2009:xxxii.
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