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Selecting Leaders

IEEE-USA Annual Meeting April 25, 2008

John MeredithIEEE-USA 2007 President

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Behind every successful program, conference,

committee, or endeavor there is a leader.

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A leader is the person who brings together people and

resources to achieve a favorable result.

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IEEE Needs Leaders

• Section officers• Conference organizers• Committee chairs • Session leaders • Program evaluators• etc.

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Attributes of Leaders

• Has a vision; inspires others• Demonstrates initiative; innovator• Brings people together • Selects good people; develops

them• Good communicator• Recognizes team members• Has drive, energy, and enthusiasm• Is an achiever

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Where Do You Find Potential Leaders?

• Work• Clubs meetings• Social activities • Sports activities • IEEE meetings and conferences• Anywhere -- keep your ears and

eyes open

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Engage Associates, Friends, and Acquaintances

• Determine their interests• Determine their experience and

background• Determine their previous work as

a volunteer• Determine their skills

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If Prospective Volunteer Shows Definite Interest

• Provide detailed job description• Time requirements• Travel requirements• Budget• Reimbursement for travel• Communicate your expectations• Point out positives and negatives

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How Do You Size Up Potential Leaders?

• Ask questions; expect straight answers

• Ask others who are are familiar with person

• Focus on contributions and successes

• Consider present family, business, and other volunteer commitments

• Determine accessibility

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Getting on Board

• Introduce/welcome new leader to team

• Provide required resources• Keep in touch; communicate• Don’t micromanage• Praise good performance• Focus on vision and expectations• Provide growth opportunities

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Sharing Experiences and

Thoughts

• Your successes in finding leaders?

• Problems you have experienced?

• Why did you volunteer?

• IEEE leaders who have impressed you?

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Final Thought

IEEE’s success is highly dependant on volunteer leaders. It is our responsibility as leaders to recruit and develop leaders

who will follow us.