How has ASDA helped you build your leadership skills?
ASDA has provided me with an amazing opportunity to expand my abilities as a leader. While my role as President has just begun in the past few months, I have already seen a lot of growth in my confidence, communication skills, and decision making abilities.
ASDA provides chapter leaders with many resources on how to effectively run their chapter, including leader check ins and written resources. This provides leaders with an opportunity to reflect on their recent work and evaluate where there has been success, as well as areas for improvement. The growth I have experienced in my role is not only beneficial for myself and my own future endeavors, but also for those around me because I am able to collaborate with my colleagues much more effectively. I am hoping to attend the National Leadership Conference this fall in order to attend the events to explore more ways to expand my strengths as a leader.
What do you think is the most vital quality in a leader?
There are numerous valuable qualities that are essential to being a successful leader, but I find the most important quality to be organizational skills. In order for a chapter to run smoothly throughout the year, the leader must have good organization to keep all aspects of the chapter in line. Organization can involve maintaining schedules, timely responses when communicating, and assigning tasks well in advance of due dates. At UCONN ASDA we have 11 committees, each with different tasks and events to plan for each month. Organization is critical in working with all these different committees to effectively plan events. It is important to stay organized in communication with so many different groups, so that no group is forgotten in the process. Also, organization is vital when planning the monthly calendar to not have events overlap in order to have maximum attendance at all ASDA events. There are often numerous factors to consider when working with each committee, which is why maintaining organization is so important to be successful. I find it very useful to have multiple forms of to do lists and agendas, in both list and calendar format to visualize our goals for each month.
Not only is organization extremely important on an individual level, but the ability of the leader to demonstrate organization with clear directions, thoughtful plans, and great communication will also translate to other members as a result. For members of the chapter to work efficiently, the tasks given must be clear and communicated well via the organization of the leader. Without quality organization skills from the leader, the chapter will not be able to operate properly.
Why should members get involved with ASDA leadership positions?
ASDA members should be involved in leadership positions because it provides a very unique opportunity to grow as an individual. The ability to hold any level of a leadership position is very special in ASDA, and it unites you with a community of hard working and dedicated individuals who share similar goals to you. Working alongside other leaders influences you to become the best version of yourself and allows you the incredible opportunity to learn from new people.
Holding a leadership position can be very challenging, but in the process, it builds your character in many ways. Thus far, my leadership position has positively impacted my abilities to communicate, collaborate with my colleagues, and make thoughtful decisions. Throughout my leadership I have also felt myself be challenged and ultimately strengthened as a result in areas like organization and time management.
All these skills will translate into your future practice and separate your business from others. Previously holding a leadership position will allow you to be able to confidently lead your staff, and as a result will allow every member of your office to preform to their full potential.
What future leadership roles in organized dentistry interest you and why?
From being a board member last year to now the Chapter President of UCONN, I am extremely interested in continuing to maintain a leadership role in organized dentistry in the future. I am hoping to practice in my home state of Connecticut in the future and would love the opportunity to have a leadership role with the Connecticut State Dental Assocation (CSDA). Continuing with a leadership role like that of the CSDA in the future would be extremely beneficial for myself and for my ability to lead my practice most effectively.
Being a leader in my ASDA chapter has allowed me grow tremendously as an individual, gain confidence in my abilities, and develop deep connections with my colleagues that I am working so closely with. I value the development that I have experienced throughout this process so far and would love to continue discovering more about myself as enter the field of dentistry. I hope to create a positive environment in my practice, which I believe is best accomplished by practicing the role of a leader from early on and continuing to evolve by adopting new leadership positions that are meaningful to you.