Bud Editorial

Here’s an opportunity to practice your leadership skills It is almost a truism; nursing lacks leaders. There are nursing leaders, of course, but there are not enough.

What makes a leader? The ability to influ- ence and move others toward certain goals. The ability to communicate ideas and opinions clearly and concisely. A receptiveness to ideas and thoughts of others. Leadership is learned like many other skills-through practice. At Congress, there are many opportunities for you to practice leadership skills and to help your colleagues develop their potential.

Some of you have been asked to be speak- ers or moderate programs. At this point, you may be wondering why you accepted, espe- cially if you have not done much public speak- ing. You are not looking forward to a restless night or two, the sweating palms, and that funny little pain in the pit of your stomach. But this is a good opportunity to develop your pub- lic speaking skills. After you have spoken in front of large audiences several times, it be- comes easier. Although your knees may still sound like Spanish castanets, you will prob- ably be able to fool your audience. As a mod- erator at Congress, I have seen some nervous speakers, but once they get up in front of the audience, they sound fine. It happens to everyone. With experience, you’ll find that you rely less on the notes clutched in your damp hand and be able to speak more spontane- ously. Public speaking becomes more com- fortable, and you become more confident.

In the state caucuses, forums, and the

House of Delegates meetings, you will be able to voice your opinions on nursing issues and association business. It can be intimidating, standing up at the microphone and giving your opinion. You are afraid others will disagree with you or that you won’t make your point clearly. But on most issues, there is a wide range of opinion. Those who agree with you will cheer you on, and those who disagree will have something to chew on.

How can you be effective in these public meetings? A knowledge of the issues is impor- tant. That is why we include in the pre- Congress Journal the agenda for the forums and House of Delegates. We also include background information on some of the issues you will be discussing such as credentialing and expert witnesses. This information should be helpful for chapter discussions.

Being familiar with parliamentary procedure is also important. These are the rules of the game. A review of Robert’s Rules of Order, perhaps even in a chapter meeting, might be a good idea. The right parliamentary move can often be critical.

If you are speaking at the House or forums, listen carefully to what others are saying as you wait your turn at the microphone. You may lose your effectiveness if you simply repeat the comments of a previous speaker. It is better to build on the argument, adding new points you have to offer. Brief comments are more effec- tive than long speeches that listeners have trouble following. Also there are time limits, and you may be cut off just as you make your main point.

There is a tendency in every organization to rely on the elected leadership. At Congress last year, some members commented that they felt intimidated by the Board of Directors,

AORN Journal, February 1982, Vol3.5, No 3 329

which sits on the platform at the House of Delegates. Although in some situations Board members have had more access to informa- tion, individual members who have taken the time to read and discuss the issues are usually well informed. The Board wants to know what your wishes are, and this is your opportunity to be heard.

Leadership isn't just speaking out. It is also being a good listener and giving thought to new ideas and different points of view. As you at- tend education sessions and the exhibits, lis- ten carefully and ask perceptive questions. Give new ideas thoughtful attention and save them for discussion with your colleagues over coffee. Leadership means constantly reexam- ining your own beliefs and prejudices to see if they are still valid.

To develop leadership in nursing, nurses need to help each other. There is still a ten- dency to look to physicians for support and approval rather than to nursing colleagues. Nurses need to develop a strong support sys- tem among themselves, giving each other en- couragement. Congress provides oppor- tunities for praising a job well done, whether it be an educational presentation or a comment in the forum.

Congress is also a good place to encourage new leaders. In your state caucuses, you may be able to identify the "comers"-young nurses who seem to have the ability and desire to become the leaders of the future. Some- times older members tend to dominate the dis- cussions. You know the argument: "Well, we've been around a lot longer, and we know what is right." Younger members are discour- aged and feel they have no influence. But these members are the leadership for the fu- ture of the organization and need to be nur- tured and their growth encouraged. Listen to them.

Leadership doesn't just happen. It takes the desire on the part of the individual and then a climate in which that person can develop and practice leadership skills. Nurses need the support of colleagues to develop their leader- ship potentials.

Congress is a good place to do this.

Elinor S Schrader Editor

Guidelines for forum presentation The structure of the forums will be as follows. Presiding officer

Purpose

for discussion to AORN delegates and members regarding issues that may be presented to the House of Delegates for action so they will be prepared to make knowledgeable decisions.

This does not prohibit the delegates from presenting any issue or motion to the House of Delegates. Procedure

1. Any member wishing to place an issue for discussion on the agenda of the forum should request such in writing to the AORN President no later than 30 days pre-Congress.

2. Requests to place an issue for discussion on the agenda to the forum that arise after 30 days pre-Congress should be presented in writing to the President prior to a forum.

3. Agenda items will be presented in the order received.

4. Discussion on each subject will be limited to 15 minutes until all items have been addressed. Additional time may be granted after the completion of all agenda items.

duplication to facilitate discussion at the forum is the responsibility of the presenter.

6. Members who are not delegates may participate in the discussion or the presentation. Rationale

Delegates has been asked to act on issues about which the delegates were not completely knowledgeable. Parliamentary procedure employed in the House of Delegates is restricting to informal discussion. This has led to many delegates being frustrated and acting out of emotionalism.

the House of Delegates.

AORN President

To provide information and an opportunity

5. Any information that requires

Many times previously, the House of

The forums will facilitate the business of

330 AORN Journal, February 1982, Vol35, No 3