I attended some great concurrent sessions, to expand my professional knowledge and to get ideas for our own PDC. On the last day of conference, I spent some time meeting with and saying goodbye to my contacts, friends and peers. It was my last time representing the CSSE as President.
I must admit there was some personal time spent at the conference as well – visiting with safety peers and friends, making new contacts, seeing a show during a night on the town and having a little pool time. Conferences are about learning new information, bringing back tools and skills, making contacts, and re-energizing our own batteries to be able to utilize these things. Another Successful ASSE Conference.
I want to extend a thank you to the ASSE staff, board members, fellows and members, who over this conference and last, have taken time during my Presidency to meet and get to know me, support me and treat me like a real show girl... you all have been truly wonderful and generous during my time as President.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
ASSE Conference - Day 3
Meeting of the minds
The second day opening session focused on honouring the contributions of Mike Thompson within his presidency this last year. His family was in attendance, which really emphasised his messages of support. Support of family and friends and members of the organization were strong messages within his speech. Mike has made a great contribution to the ASSE and to the profession as a whole in the last year.
The morning speaker, Dr. Robert Cialdini, that followed was a highlight of the conference for me. His session “ Principles of Ethical Influence” was wonderful as he talked about our circle of influence. This is one of the “meeting of the mind sessions”; I believe in what he spoke about and will be able to apply some of the tools that he gave us during the session.
The first formal "meeting of the mind sessions" was at the VIP Luncheon Meeting hosted by ASSE president, Mike Thompson. There was representation from many safety / safety and health related associations including: AIHA, IOSH, CSSE, ASSE, BCSP, ABIN, BCE and each provided updates on their activities & initiatives. The group also discussed current issues and concerns.
The AIHA updated us on their court case with TLV’s in the US.
Input report:
- Discussion on promotion of the profession via media, outreach programs, involvement with education
- Economic situation will affect uptake on programs, book sales, so need to budget to memebership fees – US trend
- Discussion on collaboration possibilities between organizations
- Good governance and social responsibilities
International Transportability of Safety Credentials meeting, hosted by BCSP, Roger Brauer
- Roger gave a presentation and a discussion regarding the issues and concerns followed
- We discussed that an existing individual organization will be able to implement programs such as certification or member body, but need to look to organizations such as INSPHO or ENSPHO to do so.
Once I receive the minutes of this meeting, I will post onto the blog.
International Practice Group – meeting and dinner took place on Wednesday evening.
The second day opening session focused on honouring the contributions of Mike Thompson within his presidency this last year. His family was in attendance, which really emphasised his messages of support. Support of family and friends and members of the organization were strong messages within his speech. Mike has made a great contribution to the ASSE and to the profession as a whole in the last year.
The morning speaker, Dr. Robert Cialdini, that followed was a highlight of the conference for me. His session “ Principles of Ethical Influence” was wonderful as he talked about our circle of influence. This is one of the “meeting of the mind sessions”; I believe in what he spoke about and will be able to apply some of the tools that he gave us during the session.
The first formal "meeting of the mind sessions" was at the VIP Luncheon Meeting hosted by ASSE president, Mike Thompson. There was representation from many safety / safety and health related associations including: AIHA, IOSH, CSSE, ASSE, BCSP, ABIN, BCE and each provided updates on their activities & initiatives. The group also discussed current issues and concerns.
The AIHA updated us on their court case with TLV’s in the US.
Input report:
- Discussion on promotion of the profession via media, outreach programs, involvement with education
- Economic situation will affect uptake on programs, book sales, so need to budget to memebership fees – US trend
- Discussion on collaboration possibilities between organizations
- Good governance and social responsibilities
International Transportability of Safety Credentials meeting, hosted by BCSP, Roger Brauer
- Roger gave a presentation and a discussion regarding the issues and concerns followed
- We discussed that an existing individual organization will be able to implement programs such as certification or member body, but need to look to organizations such as INSPHO or ENSPHO to do so.
Once I receive the minutes of this meeting, I will post onto the blog.
International Practice Group – meeting and dinner took place on Wednesday evening.
Monday, June 23, 2008
ASSE Conference - Day 2
Starting with Flare
I was up early to be at my rehearsal at 6:30 am – for my colourful presentation and fraternal greetings at the Conference Opening. Because I was making a grand entrance with showgirl feathers, my rehearsal was kept separate from the others, so as to keep it a surprise to the general population. I have included some pictures and the speaker’s notes, which I only used as a guideline, much to the frustration of the Teleprompters. I believe that it made an impression. If you where there – let me know what you thought.
The afternoon allowed some time to walk the exhibit hall and meet up with peers, associates, and friends. The exhibits are truly amazing – every year I am impressed by the number of exhibits that are available.
Eldeen’s Speaker Notes:
What happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas!
Speaking notes for Eldeen Pozniak – CSSE President
Wow, it is great to be here at the ASSE conference and bring greetings and well wishes for your PDC from the CSSE to you Mr. President, IOSH and other association dignitaries, invited guests, and ASSE delegates.
Of course some of you delegates come to the conference not only for the professional development, networking opportunities and contacts, but for the cultural aspect of the location as well. I have spent some time seeing the sites having come in early and I've managed to catch a couple shows.
Part of the cultural aspect here in Vegas is the motto "What happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas"; I tried to see how that applied to this profession, our respective organizations and this conference.
Slide 1
On the topic of Networking
Things to Take away from Vegas:
• Contact information from other safety professional from around the globe.
Thing to Stay in Vegas:
• Contact information from “others” that you met in Vegas from around the globe.
The international relationship information related to this next item as well.
Slide 2
On the topic of Transportability of Credentials
Things to Take away from Vegas:
• Improved skills and international relationship information
The CSSE, along with the ASSE and IOSH all believe that this profession is the best profession and it supports the concepts of professional development within it. Conferences such as this one allow us to expand our knowledge and skills. And that information, those tools, should not be left in Vegas. The CSSE is working with organizations such as ASSE, IOSH, INSHPO to further explore the competencies of the Profession at home, as well as within an international transportability concept.
Things to Stay in Vegas:
• Any package given to you by a stranger in Vegas – you do not want to transport that anywhere.
Slide 3
On the topic of Relationships and Partnerships
Things to Take away from Vegas:
• Take ideas and working relationships
The CSSE values our cross-border relationship. Networking between organizations is key to our success, as there is a larger voice in numbers. Partnering in initiatives such as NAOSH Week and the Professional Day allow further emphasis and general knowledge throughout North America. Our Canadian NAOSH Week launch this year was in our Capital, Ottawa. We are honoured by the support and participation from our US counterparts and had a wonderful time at the post luncheon at the US Embassy. Andrew Cooper, the NAOSH Week chair in Canada, appreciated his wonderful inclusion at your launch in Washington. These types of initiatives, partnerships and relationship activities come from meetings that we have at conferences such as this. Conversations and ideas – safety and health related - that are generated at formal meetings, within workshops, or over a meal and social event here, should not stay here, but be taken back, worked on and fostered.
Thing to Stay in Vegas:
• Try not to take away any relationships that have started at Wedding Chapel on the Strip.
Slide 4
On the topic of Professional Development
Things to Take away from Vegas:
• New knowledge and skills learned at the professional development conference.
Thing to Stay in Vegas:
• New knowledge and skills learned at the gambling tables.
Slide 5
On the topic of Renewed Passion and Re-energization
Things to take away from Vegas:
• The renewed passion and energy that we get from having people with a common interest get together to discuss, share and maybe cut loose a little. We need to refuel our tanks once in awhile and organizations such as CSSE and yours assist with that – giving us information, networking opportunities as well as have our backs when things get rough.
Things to Stay in Vegas:
• Any other passion or 'stuff' that makes you energized that you may have come across here in Vegas.
Slide 6
The re-energization that we get from being with and supporting each other, needs to be carried with us over the year until we get together again, not Stay in Vegas. The contacts and networks that we create here, should not be forgotten once we leave Vegas, but utilized and celebrated throughout the year.
We need to take it home, to our workplaces, to our communities - the information and skills that we share here - so that we can be the best that we can be in this profession.
I wish you a successful conference.
I was up early to be at my rehearsal at 6:30 am – for my colourful presentation and fraternal greetings at the Conference Opening. Because I was making a grand entrance with showgirl feathers, my rehearsal was kept separate from the others, so as to keep it a surprise to the general population. I have included some pictures and the speaker’s notes, which I only used as a guideline, much to the frustration of the Teleprompters. I believe that it made an impression. If you where there – let me know what you thought.
The afternoon allowed some time to walk the exhibit hall and meet up with peers, associates, and friends. The exhibits are truly amazing – every year I am impressed by the number of exhibits that are available.
Eldeen’s Speaker Notes:
What happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas!
Speaking notes for Eldeen Pozniak – CSSE President
Wow, it is great to be here at the ASSE conference and bring greetings and well wishes for your PDC from the CSSE to you Mr. President, IOSH and other association dignitaries, invited guests, and ASSE delegates.
Of course some of you delegates come to the conference not only for the professional development, networking opportunities and contacts, but for the cultural aspect of the location as well. I have spent some time seeing the sites having come in early and I've managed to catch a couple shows.
Part of the cultural aspect here in Vegas is the motto "What happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas"; I tried to see how that applied to this profession, our respective organizations and this conference.
Slide 1
On the topic of Networking
Things to Take away from Vegas:
• Contact information from other safety professional from around the globe.
Thing to Stay in Vegas:
• Contact information from “others” that you met in Vegas from around the globe.
The international relationship information related to this next item as well.
Slide 2
On the topic of Transportability of Credentials
Things to Take away from Vegas:
• Improved skills and international relationship information
The CSSE, along with the ASSE and IOSH all believe that this profession is the best profession and it supports the concepts of professional development within it. Conferences such as this one allow us to expand our knowledge and skills. And that information, those tools, should not be left in Vegas. The CSSE is working with organizations such as ASSE, IOSH, INSHPO to further explore the competencies of the Profession at home, as well as within an international transportability concept.
Things to Stay in Vegas:
• Any package given to you by a stranger in Vegas – you do not want to transport that anywhere.
Slide 3
On the topic of Relationships and Partnerships
Things to Take away from Vegas:
• Take ideas and working relationships
The CSSE values our cross-border relationship. Networking between organizations is key to our success, as there is a larger voice in numbers. Partnering in initiatives such as NAOSH Week and the Professional Day allow further emphasis and general knowledge throughout North America. Our Canadian NAOSH Week launch this year was in our Capital, Ottawa. We are honoured by the support and participation from our US counterparts and had a wonderful time at the post luncheon at the US Embassy. Andrew Cooper, the NAOSH Week chair in Canada, appreciated his wonderful inclusion at your launch in Washington. These types of initiatives, partnerships and relationship activities come from meetings that we have at conferences such as this. Conversations and ideas – safety and health related - that are generated at formal meetings, within workshops, or over a meal and social event here, should not stay here, but be taken back, worked on and fostered.
Thing to Stay in Vegas:
• Try not to take away any relationships that have started at Wedding Chapel on the Strip.
Slide 4
On the topic of Professional Development
Things to Take away from Vegas:
• New knowledge and skills learned at the professional development conference.
Thing to Stay in Vegas:
• New knowledge and skills learned at the gambling tables.
Slide 5
On the topic of Renewed Passion and Re-energization
Things to take away from Vegas:
• The renewed passion and energy that we get from having people with a common interest get together to discuss, share and maybe cut loose a little. We need to refuel our tanks once in awhile and organizations such as CSSE and yours assist with that – giving us information, networking opportunities as well as have our backs when things get rough.
Things to Stay in Vegas:
• Any other passion or 'stuff' that makes you energized that you may have come across here in Vegas.
Slide 6
The re-energization that we get from being with and supporting each other, needs to be carried with us over the year until we get together again, not Stay in Vegas. The contacts and networks that we create here, should not be forgotten once we leave Vegas, but utilized and celebrated throughout the year.
We need to take it home, to our workplaces, to our communities - the information and skills that we share here - so that we can be the best that we can be in this profession.
I wish you a successful conference.
Friday, June 20, 2008
ASSE Conference - June 2008
Viva Las Vegas
Viva Las Vegas... the 2008 Professional Development ASSE Conference was held in Las Vegas. Great location, great venue – the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel and Conference Center - great speakers, great people and great topic.
Wayne and I arrived just in time to attend the black tie Fellows Dinner hosted by Mike Thompson and his wife Judy at the Hilton Hotel. It was an excellent opportunity to meet new friends and renew friendships and connections with ASSE fellows, executives, and board members, as well as many of the international guests present. It was wonderful to see and chat with people such as Ray Hurst (President) and Rob Strange Executive Director from IOSH and Martin Ralph, Managing Director from IFAP. President, Mike Thompson ran a wonderful program that evening and this was a great way to start the conference.
Viva Las Vegas... the 2008 Professional Development ASSE Conference was held in Las Vegas. Great location, great venue – the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel and Conference Center - great speakers, great people and great topic.
Wayne and I arrived just in time to attend the black tie Fellows Dinner hosted by Mike Thompson and his wife Judy at the Hilton Hotel. It was an excellent opportunity to meet new friends and renew friendships and connections with ASSE fellows, executives, and board members, as well as many of the international guests present. It was wonderful to see and chat with people such as Ray Hurst (President) and Rob Strange Executive Director from IOSH and Martin Ralph, Managing Director from IFAP. President, Mike Thompson ran a wonderful program that evening and this was a great way to start the conference.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
NAOSH Week 2008
Safety and Health – A Commitment for Life! Start today – Live it Everyday!
The Canadian launch of NAOSH Week 2008 was held in our nation's capital at the National Arts Centre on Monday, May 5th.
The goal: to focus employers, employees, partners and the public on the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace, at home and in the community.
NAOSH Week is led by the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE) in partnership with the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) and Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC), in concert with the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) and partners in Mexico.
This event marked the beginning of NAOSH Week 2008 with keynote presentations by Minister Blackburn, Christopher Patton- ASSE, Mr. Steven Mahoney, Chair of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, Ms. Rosemarie Leclair, President and CEO of Hydro Ottawa Limited, David Needham, Division Director from the Safety Health & Environment Management (SHEM) office at the US State Department in Washington DC and Shirley Hickman, Executive Director of Threads of Life. The room at the arts center was packed and energized. I hosted the event at the Arts Centre, with George Pappas being my side kick providing translation into our second language.
Post launch, the USA embassy hosted a luncheon and tour of their facilities that emphasized the importance of relationships, as well as the importance of the topic. The Ambassador of the United States, Mr. David Wilkins was a wonderful host.
The Canadian NAOSH Week Committee includes representatives from all over Canada. This committee is responsible for the ongoing development and coordination of NAOSH Week in Canada, to ensure, sustain and further advance the goals of NAOSH Week. Contact your representative on this Committee for information about NAOSH Week events and activities in your region: Chair- Andrew Cooper ; Alberta/NWT/Nunavut - Reinhard Dunse & Barrie Harrison; British Columbia/Yukon - Jim Hopkins & Kathy Tull; Vice-Chair- Dawn Perrin; Atlantic Region - Deirdre O'Reilly & Bill Nichol; Saskatchewan/Manitoba - Terry Daly & Philip Cain; Ontario - Leonard Maccarone, Anita Dubey, & Rick Tilley.
The NAOSH Week launch 2008 planning Committee worked very well with the National Committee and the local contacts to ensure a wonderful event. A special thanks goes out to them – Steve Clouthier, Don Neville, Chloe Black, Kimberly Blaney, Jan Fralick, Monette Hache, Leonard Maccarone, George Pappas, Dawn Perrin, Dianne Tolgyesi, and Eleanor Westwood. I am sure all those who attended the Launch are happy that I am writing the names and not trying to pronounce them again. I do also want to acknowledge the staff support for this project – Jan Fralick is the foundation piece within the launch events. Thank you all - for all your hard work that was key in the success of this event.
Our Secretary – Andrew Cooper – was invited to and attended NAOSH Week Launch in the United States hosted by the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) in Washington, D.C. at the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Headquarters on May 5, 2008. Participants included ASSE, CSSE, OSHA officials, and staff and OSHA Alliance Program Partners. The children who were winners in the ASSE’s Safety on the Job Poster Contest and their families form a large part of the focus of the day’s activities. The agenda included addresses from the OSHA Deputy Administrator Don Shalhoub, ASSE president Michael Thompson, and our Andrew Cooper. The event was followed by a reception in the Capitol Building hosted by the ASSE and included awards ceremony for the poster contest winners. Andrew also addressed the people at this gathering. One of the winners in the ASSE poster contest was a Canadian Meghan Baker from New Brunswick – her father works at McCain Foods in Florenceville, NB. Some photos of the ASSE NAOSH Week events are below:
CSSE Secretary, Andrew Cooper poses with ASSE President, Mike Thompson and the winners of the ASSE's Safety-on-the-Job Poster Contest at the US OSHA Headquarters in Washington D.C.
Andrew Cooper, Canadian Poster Winner - Meghan Baker, ASSE President - Mike Thompson
Andrew Cooper speaking at the US OSHA Headquarters in Washington D.C.
Andrew Cooper and Meghan Baker pose with her winning poster
Thank you to everyone who submitted your organization's events to the NAOSH Week website. We look forward to NAOSH Week 2009!
The Canadian launch of NAOSH Week 2008 was held in our nation's capital at the National Arts Centre on Monday, May 5th.
The goal: to focus employers, employees, partners and the public on the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace, at home and in the community.
NAOSH Week is led by the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE) in partnership with the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) and Human Resources and Social Development Canada (HRSDC), in concert with the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) and partners in Mexico.
This event marked the beginning of NAOSH Week 2008 with keynote presentations by Minister Blackburn, Christopher Patton- ASSE, Mr. Steven Mahoney, Chair of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, Ms. Rosemarie Leclair, President and CEO of Hydro Ottawa Limited, David Needham, Division Director from the Safety Health & Environment Management (SHEM) office at the US State Department in Washington DC and Shirley Hickman, Executive Director of Threads of Life. The room at the arts center was packed and energized. I hosted the event at the Arts Centre, with George Pappas being my side kick providing translation into our second language.
Post launch, the USA embassy hosted a luncheon and tour of their facilities that emphasized the importance of relationships, as well as the importance of the topic. The Ambassador of the United States, Mr. David Wilkins was a wonderful host.
The Canadian NAOSH Week Committee includes representatives from all over Canada. This committee is responsible for the ongoing development and coordination of NAOSH Week in Canada, to ensure, sustain and further advance the goals of NAOSH Week. Contact your representative on this Committee for information about NAOSH Week events and activities in your region: Chair- Andrew Cooper ; Alberta/NWT/Nunavut - Reinhard Dunse & Barrie Harrison; British Columbia/Yukon - Jim Hopkins & Kathy Tull; Vice-Chair- Dawn Perrin; Atlantic Region - Deirdre O'Reilly & Bill Nichol; Saskatchewan/Manitoba - Terry Daly & Philip Cain; Ontario - Leonard Maccarone, Anita Dubey, & Rick Tilley.
The NAOSH Week launch 2008 planning Committee worked very well with the National Committee and the local contacts to ensure a wonderful event. A special thanks goes out to them – Steve Clouthier, Don Neville, Chloe Black, Kimberly Blaney, Jan Fralick, Monette Hache, Leonard Maccarone, George Pappas, Dawn Perrin, Dianne Tolgyesi, and Eleanor Westwood. I am sure all those who attended the Launch are happy that I am writing the names and not trying to pronounce them again. I do also want to acknowledge the staff support for this project – Jan Fralick is the foundation piece within the launch events. Thank you all - for all your hard work that was key in the success of this event.
Our Secretary – Andrew Cooper – was invited to and attended NAOSH Week Launch in the United States hosted by the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) in Washington, D.C. at the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Headquarters on May 5, 2008. Participants included ASSE, CSSE, OSHA officials, and staff and OSHA Alliance Program Partners. The children who were winners in the ASSE’s Safety on the Job Poster Contest and their families form a large part of the focus of the day’s activities. The agenda included addresses from the OSHA Deputy Administrator Don Shalhoub, ASSE president Michael Thompson, and our Andrew Cooper. The event was followed by a reception in the Capitol Building hosted by the ASSE and included awards ceremony for the poster contest winners. Andrew also addressed the people at this gathering. One of the winners in the ASSE poster contest was a Canadian Meghan Baker from New Brunswick – her father works at McCain Foods in Florenceville, NB. Some photos of the ASSE NAOSH Week events are below:
CSSE Secretary, Andrew Cooper poses with ASSE President, Mike Thompson and the winners of the ASSE's Safety-on-the-Job Poster Contest at the US OSHA Headquarters in Washington D.C.
Andrew Cooper, Canadian Poster Winner - Meghan Baker, ASSE President - Mike Thompson
Andrew Cooper speaking at the US OSHA Headquarters in Washington D.C.
Andrew Cooper and Meghan Baker pose with her winning poster
Thank you to everyone who submitted your organization's events to the NAOSH Week website. We look forward to NAOSH Week 2009!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Looking back...
When I became President in 2006, I wrote an article in the Contact about what I would like to see happen with the Society - this group of committed professional people who voluntarily come together to solve common problems, meet common needs and accomplish common goals. As my term draws to a close, I look back on that article to see where we are today. Has my vision at the time translated into action today?
In the original article, I stated that I believe that the four obligations of leadership of this organization are:
1. To ensure that the leadership team has access to a common stream of information from members and stakeholders that allows the Society to understand their views of the world.
2. To provide a coherent stream of information back to members and stakeholders that allows them to understand why the decisions have been made the way they have.
3. To bridge any gaps between the member's/stakeholder's views of the world and the views held by those who seek to earn the right to lead them.
4. To understand that in the voluntary nature of associations, people choose to engage because they perceive that it is in their own self interest to do so.
You will be the judge of how well we did as an organization in meeting these goals. During the past two years, I called upon these guiding believes as I made decisions, gave direction and engaged others in conversation. The Board as a whole has taken these and integrated them into how we do business as we seek your opinions, remain open to discuss concerns/issues and make decisions that are for the best of the organization. We have had success, and as well as some challenges along the way.
We have opened up a variety of avenues of communication to all parties in the Society. Through vehicles such as the member satisfaction survey, the CHSC survey, course and event evaluations and informal discussions, we have sought out the views of our members and used that information in our decision-making.
We have improved our communications back to the membership through regular reports to the members. The Board adopted a communication plan to help guide information flow. The Society is now a multi-million dollar enterprise, and so communication becomes key to continued success in providing members with their needs from the association. We are still struggling to improve our communication vehicles, but we are trying.
At every event that I have attended as President, I have talked to members and encouraged them to tell me about their views of the safety profession.
I have taken that information back to Board and committee meetings where I have shared your views with the volunteers who are giving of their own time to give back to our profession.
I am pleased to see that there are more members involved in the organization than ever before. There are many different areas where members can engage with the Society and the work of the professional body. Volunteers repeatedly say that they get more out of their volunteer efforts than they put in to assisting the organization move ahead.
I continue to believe that the keys to sustained success is to have a reputation for value by providing a portfolio of products and services that people want; by creating an enjoyable culture based on trust and communication; and by building a nimble infrastructure that allows us quickly to seize opportunities to create value. We are becoming an intelligent organization.
An intelligent association is about sustaining knowledge and using it well to ensure that value is being received.
An intelligent association defines what will constitute value. The CSSE leadership team works hard to reach consensus on what will constitute success for our organization. This objective influences the leadership team's judgment as it makes decisions on the allocation of resources. I believe there has to be an emphasis on having a written plan that reflects the definition of measurable success and is truly strategic. The success measures and strategic direction drives the activities of all staff and volunteer work groups, and directs the organization's annual operational strategies.
An intelligent association uses the strategic intent to develop strategy. The Board ensures that the strategic direction and its intent is a living reality. It is reviewed and updated on an annual basis, and forms the backbone of our implementation strategies.
An intelligent association implements, monitors and adjusts strategy as needed. The leadership team engages in continuous strategic dialogue to ensure that what is promised and defined in the strategic direction is successfully delivered. It is important that we have a process in place to evaluate the progress and success of the plan and to hold the leadership team accountable for the plan's progress and success. Continued successful implementation of the strategic direction and demonstration of the value that it brings to members and other key stakeholders are significant forces in creating and retaining a positive organizational image and reputation in the marketplace.
An intelligent association earns a reputation for relevance. The CSSE leadership team continually works to understand clearly what the membership both wants and needs. These needs and wants have been effectively identified through continuous external and internal scanning, marketing research and dialogue.
An intelligent association sustains knowledge and uses it well. The leadership team utilizes a knowledge-based governance strategy to focus on the key strategic challenges and opportunities, to monitor performance and achievement of desired outcomes, to adjust strategy and policy to changes in the environment and to maintain the necessary planning and policy tools of intelligent governance.
Are we there yet? We are definitely going forward. We are having great success. Along with that success, of course, have come challenges that build character, strength and vitality for us as individuals and for the organization. My father used to tell me that nothing of value comes easy.
Being your President has been work, but it has definitely been of value to me, and hopefully for the organization as well.
Eldeen E. Pozniak CHSC, CRSP
In the original article, I stated that I believe that the four obligations of leadership of this organization are:
1. To ensure that the leadership team has access to a common stream of information from members and stakeholders that allows the Society to understand their views of the world.
2. To provide a coherent stream of information back to members and stakeholders that allows them to understand why the decisions have been made the way they have.
3. To bridge any gaps between the member's/stakeholder's views of the world and the views held by those who seek to earn the right to lead them.
4. To understand that in the voluntary nature of associations, people choose to engage because they perceive that it is in their own self interest to do so.
You will be the judge of how well we did as an organization in meeting these goals. During the past two years, I called upon these guiding believes as I made decisions, gave direction and engaged others in conversation. The Board as a whole has taken these and integrated them into how we do business as we seek your opinions, remain open to discuss concerns/issues and make decisions that are for the best of the organization. We have had success, and as well as some challenges along the way.
We have opened up a variety of avenues of communication to all parties in the Society. Through vehicles such as the member satisfaction survey, the CHSC survey, course and event evaluations and informal discussions, we have sought out the views of our members and used that information in our decision-making.
We have improved our communications back to the membership through regular reports to the members. The Board adopted a communication plan to help guide information flow. The Society is now a multi-million dollar enterprise, and so communication becomes key to continued success in providing members with their needs from the association. We are still struggling to improve our communication vehicles, but we are trying.
At every event that I have attended as President, I have talked to members and encouraged them to tell me about their views of the safety profession.
I have taken that information back to Board and committee meetings where I have shared your views with the volunteers who are giving of their own time to give back to our profession.
I am pleased to see that there are more members involved in the organization than ever before. There are many different areas where members can engage with the Society and the work of the professional body. Volunteers repeatedly say that they get more out of their volunteer efforts than they put in to assisting the organization move ahead.
I continue to believe that the keys to sustained success is to have a reputation for value by providing a portfolio of products and services that people want; by creating an enjoyable culture based on trust and communication; and by building a nimble infrastructure that allows us quickly to seize opportunities to create value. We are becoming an intelligent organization.
An intelligent association is about sustaining knowledge and using it well to ensure that value is being received.
An intelligent association defines what will constitute value. The CSSE leadership team works hard to reach consensus on what will constitute success for our organization. This objective influences the leadership team's judgment as it makes decisions on the allocation of resources. I believe there has to be an emphasis on having a written plan that reflects the definition of measurable success and is truly strategic. The success measures and strategic direction drives the activities of all staff and volunteer work groups, and directs the organization's annual operational strategies.
An intelligent association uses the strategic intent to develop strategy. The Board ensures that the strategic direction and its intent is a living reality. It is reviewed and updated on an annual basis, and forms the backbone of our implementation strategies.
An intelligent association implements, monitors and adjusts strategy as needed. The leadership team engages in continuous strategic dialogue to ensure that what is promised and defined in the strategic direction is successfully delivered. It is important that we have a process in place to evaluate the progress and success of the plan and to hold the leadership team accountable for the plan's progress and success. Continued successful implementation of the strategic direction and demonstration of the value that it brings to members and other key stakeholders are significant forces in creating and retaining a positive organizational image and reputation in the marketplace.
An intelligent association earns a reputation for relevance. The CSSE leadership team continually works to understand clearly what the membership both wants and needs. These needs and wants have been effectively identified through continuous external and internal scanning, marketing research and dialogue.
An intelligent association sustains knowledge and uses it well. The leadership team utilizes a knowledge-based governance strategy to focus on the key strategic challenges and opportunities, to monitor performance and achievement of desired outcomes, to adjust strategy and policy to changes in the environment and to maintain the necessary planning and policy tools of intelligent governance.
Are we there yet? We are definitely going forward. We are having great success. Along with that success, of course, have come challenges that build character, strength and vitality for us as individuals and for the organization. My father used to tell me that nothing of value comes easy.
Being your President has been work, but it has definitely been of value to me, and hopefully for the organization as well.
Eldeen E. Pozniak CHSC, CRSP
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