Editorial
The Leadership of the ASEP Organization
Tommy Boone, PhD, MPH, FASEP, EPC
Professor and Chair
Director, Exercise Physiology Laboratories
The College of St. Scholastica
Duluth, MN 55811
“Good leaders are often
unpopular but right.” -- Tommy Boone
Introduction
The experience of being a founding
member of the American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP)
seems, at times, to be something on the order of getting ready for high
school football. Do you remember the traditional two-week, two times
each day August practice? There is no way that practice after the
regular school day is as hard as during the month of August. Most
high school athletes venture into the unknown of what it means to survive
the heat of August and, if they survive, they often make a significant
contribution to the team. The spirit of camaraderie is a powerful
force. Most athletes appreciate the enormous contributions made by
the coaching staff and the members of the team. Some would say that
if you were not a football player you could not understand the challenge
of surviving the sport. Those who survived seldom forget what they
learned and, in fact, most carry for life a permanent imprint of the emotions
of the practice sessions and games.
After more than 40 years in the college
environment, the imprint of what sports medicine exercise physiologists
think is exercise physiology is clear. If you want to be an exercise
physiologist, then you need a doctorate degree. You also need the
attitude that research and publishing are more important than teaching
and building the curriculum, although they will say otherwise. This
thinking is consistent with the history of exercise physiology as a discipline
that studies acute and chronic changes to regular exercise. From
their perspective, it is hardly appropriate to promote exercise physiology
as a healthcare profession. Fortunately, that is exactly why the
ASEP leadership is no longer “thinking as usual.” As innovators and
leaders they have brought increased attention to many untested ideas and
beliefs about what is exercise physiology and who is an exercise physiologist.
Clearly, the ASEP leadership has taken the challenge and leadership role
in the commitment to new practices, policies, and procedures that define
exercise physiology.
It is a complicated and challenging
task to get colleagues to change old mindsets. The ASEP leadership
is doing everything to get exercise physiologists to substitute new ideas
for old habits. New thinking is imperative if they are to effectively
tackle the problems of professional development. Perhaps, most importantly,
they recognize that leaders don’t ask if they can do something. They
just do it because it is right. They aren’t interested in having
all the answers. Failure is not a problem. However, learning,
growing, and achieving results are important. Doing what you said
you would do is extremely important. That’s why they aren’t concerned
with the questions about certification or accreditation. Leaders
can’t wait until all the problems are worked out or until everything is
perfect before doing something to make things better. It takes time
to build a professional organization.
The Contributions of Robert A.
Robergs, PhD, FASEP, EPC
Words can never fully express my
appreciation for the work, dedication, and contribution of Dr. Robert Robergs
to the ASEP organization. A university professor who has published
several textbooks and many manuscripts in well-known scientific journals,
he embodies the spirit of the new 21st century exercise physiology.
He understands the power and application of the exercise physiology body
of knowledge. That’s why he believes exercise physiologists
are healthcare professionals like physical therapists or nurses.
His willingness to listen to others, to discuss the meaning of professionalism
and the importance of professional development of exercise physiology along
with his personal and professional decisions to support ASEP have significantly
influenced exercise physiology. Most members got this message with
his willingness to serve as President of ASEP for two terms. This
is not a little thing. Few colleagues have the determination and
endurance to do the same. This fact also argues very strongly on
Robert’s behalf that he would have survived the August practices with a
big smile. I’m sure that he would have scored the winning touchdown,
too.
The story of ASEP could not have
been more different had Dr. Robergs been more personally self-centered
and driven by expectations that “it’s all about me” kind of philosophy.
The reality is that his work on behalf of non-doctorate exercise physiologists
has very likely costs him in dollars and published books. Clearly,
his scientific work (in the form of journal publications) has taken a back
seat to his devotion to the ASEP organization. The consequences of
his decision to support ASEP are several, but he has gained tremendous
respect for his dedication and unparallel strength of character.
His work is at the edge of new thinking about exercise physiology.
I have found strength in his thinking skills and in his understanding of
the critical differences between sports medicine and exercise physiology.
These core differences are the reasons why ASEP departed from sports medicine.
His shared perspectives on these fundamental issues are important because
they represent the leading thinking in exercise physiology.
There were many variables to consider
in getting involved with ASEP, especially since the organization developed
outside of the traditional thinking and leadership of exercise physiology.
The challenges were obvious from the beginning, but Dr. Robergs triumph
in face of established differences. My goal is to show absolute and
forever respect to him. Leading ASEP was never expected to be easy.
His leadership confronts our past reality and economic uncertainty while
demanding our respect for implementing significant ASEP strategies.
The cultural transformation of exercise physiology is largely a function
of his leadership. I find myself thankful for his exceptional obedience
to the professional development of exercise physiology for the sole purpose
of empowering all exercise physiologists. He has inspired me when
I’ve found myself exhausted, tired, and even discouraged.
The Mind of the ASEP Leadership
I am convinced that by believing
in possibilities, by thinking right on behalf of others and by committing
to professionalism, everything else becomes irrelevant. That is,
when we witness the work of the ASEP leaders stretched and challenged,
we become stronger. We learn to do what must be done regardless of
the face of adversity. Even among our colleagues who disagree and
who choose to act in less than a professional manner, we survive.
We do so because we are convinced that our work is important. We
do so because it is critical to bringing about change. And, we do
so because extraordinary ideas result from hard work on behalf of committed
individuals. Several of the underlying ideas that help us stay the
course include the following ASEP strategies:
• Never give up.
• Never allow others to get between
you and ASEP.
• Never allow anyone to think for
you.
• Never underestimate your ability
to achieve the ASEP goals.
• Never lose sight of the ASEP vision
and mission.
• Never be afraid to take risks.
• Never forget that you have ASEP
friends.
• Never be afraid to tell your story.
• Never question your ability to
lead others.
• Never let the excitement of different
ideas drain your energy.
• Never forget the students/colleagues
even if they fail to understand.
• Never let the unknown stop your
commitment.
• Never stop doing something to
achieve positive change.
• Never allow yourself to be discouraged.
• Never worry, just keep at it.
• Never think it is business as
usual.
• Never allow distractions to mislead
you.
• Never forget the power of emotions,
feelings, and passion.
• Never let mistakes get the best
of you.
• Never let snipers/shareholders
of other organizations get to you.
• Never forget the power of inspiration.
• Never be afraid to consider contrary
ideas.
• Never allow fear or anxiety to
control you.
• Never stop focusing on EPs as
a healthcare professionals.
• Never stop expressing ideas.
• Never forget that everyone in
ASEP is in it together.
• Never be afraid to admit mistakes.
These are the primary “never…” statements
that help to keep the ASEP strategies in full force. They are
listed here for those who are not afraid to “wrestle with an idea.”
To accomplish what the ASEP leadership has in mind requires strenuous thinking
and some hard intellectual work. Their work on behalf of the members
is guided by their conviction that exercise physiologists have the right
to their own professional organization. In this respect, some might
think that the leadership is similar to the leadership of other organizations.
This isn’t the case, however. In fact, one thing that should be understood
that most fail to get at first glance is that supporting ASEP carries with
it an impression of having highly negative emotions against other organizations.
ASEP, to be sure, is an organization
in competition with other organizations. We can and must limit ourselves
to conscientiously supporting the original work and systematic reflection
of “what is ASEP and why it is important.” A person cannot
walk in two directions at the same time! But, this doesn’t mean that
ASEP leaders and/or members aren’t comfortable with the membership of other
organizations or that the members don’t belong to other organizations.
The issues is this: if membership in another organization distracts from
the work that must be done in ASEP, then it is better and more honest to
avoid even the appearance that one intends to do both (or can do both).
The ASEP President, Matthew Wattles,
MS
It is self-evident that membership
with ASEP has more to do with a personal decision to believe in the right
of the organization to exist and that its single most important concern
is the welfare of all exercise physiologists. Here, I’m presupposing
the understanding of a similar idea with other professional organizations.
Given that a person can embrace the very foundation of ASEP thinking without
having complete knowledge of the existence of other organizations, he does
so with his heart. Not having all the answers in front of him does
not stop him from undertaking the work of ASEP. Every piece of work
is an expression of faith, if not self-understanding that is essential
to emotional and intelligent growth. The insight into this act of
faith is the key reason I’m giving an account of my hope in this brief
essay.
It is also the stimulus, I think,
for the ASEP President, Matthew Wattles, a master-prepared exercise physiologist
who is dedicated to ASEP and its vision. He has taken important steps
to better integrate the ASEP philosophy and the public’s perception of
the exercise physiologists’ credibility. The interrelationships of
a code of ethics and licensure, scope of practice and title protection,
and accreditation and professionalism have been discussed and enlarged
upon during his tenure. That this understanding my be communicated
to students, to those who are already working, to professionals in other
fields of work, and to the public sector, Matt has encouraged the development
of state-affiliated associations of exercise physiologists to support the
ASEP national efforts. Members of the state organizations should
help exercise physiologists strengthened their personal and professional
commitment.
This raises the question, “Who is
Matt Wattles?” To say the least, he is an independent thinker.
A man of some size and strength, literally speaking, he has chosen to make
a difference. According to his thinking, the American Society of
Exercise Physiologists offers the “hope of all that is good and wholesome
for all exercise physiologists.” He is a determined man with the
essential skills to understand and speak to the differences between exercise
science and exercise physiology and between being a specialist and a professional.
Average by no means, he stands before all other exercise physiologists
prepared to shape the very foundation of the field. Supported by
his graduate education and commonsense on one hand and a heart of faith
in himself and hope for the better for all exercise physiologists on the
other, his has taken the challenge to lead ASEP. He understands all
too well that when he studied exercise physiology years ago that, like
most students, that he did so much out of faith that everything would fall
into place. The intention was obvious (i.e., to locate an exercise
physiology job with a good salary, and raise a family). These things
were taken for granted. In those days, like much of today as well,
students didn’t reflect much about the differences between exercise science
and exercise physiology, the importance of a precise vision and mission
statement of organizations, or individual questions about certification
and accreditation. The professors (along with academic majors, respect,
credibility, salary, and professionalism) were taken for granted or were
considered part of a larger plan of sports medicine that was taken for
granted. His faith was conditioned by his belief in the system, especially
his professors and sports medicine that supported exercise physiologists
and which today does not.
Matt believes that the study of exercise
physiology at an academic institution must be a credible undertaking, and
that it is ridiculous for exercise physiology professors to encourage their
students to think like exercise physiologists if they are getting a degree
in something other than exercise physiology. It is too problematic
and an ill-conceived message to mislead students and their families.
If students are in an exercise science major, then, from the very beginning,
Matt believes that the professors must explain the differences between
exercise science and exercise physiology. Otherwise, however exact
and/or accurate the professors’ research and attendance to conferences
and meetings, the students’ lack of a unified and integrated understanding
of “what is exercise physiology” encourages the dilemma to continue along
with its inherent problems. Matt is quick to say that the false impression
that an exercise science major can produce an exercise physiologist is
an aftermath of a poorly thought out sports medicine view that has been
with us too long. He understands that what was physical education
has become fragmented into an immense number of areas of study (from kinesiology
to human performance, exercise science to health and sports sciences, movement
sciences to bioenergetics, and more), with each offering important material
but having very little to offer exercise physiologists. His contribution
to exercise physiology is significant, and it will continue for decades
to come. We are in excellent hands with his leadership.
Every new idea is always a path that
arises out of necessity and discovery and, like ASEP; it requires critical
reflection and time to understand it. Those who have done both, like
Matt Wattles, support the ASEP exercise physiologists as the exercise physiologists
of the 21st century. And, as the reader might expect, they
are no longer subject to the sports medicine view and interpretation.
As a consequence, those who work primarily in cardiac rehabilitation as
exercise specialists or those who work in predominately non-teaching positions
(however important and a part of exercise physiology) are no longer the
only professionals who have something to say about exercise physiology.
The power and the right to clarify the philosophy (or to build a philosophy)
of academic exercise physiology should come from all exercise physiologists.
Matt would say, “Those who are intellectually indifferent to this point
of view and our fundamental responsibility for concrete change cannot justify
their individual dogmas.” This is so simply because, given the present
structure of exercise physiology as seen by sports medicine, there is among
ASEP exercise physiologists an inescapable unity in the conviction that
the ASEP reality is absolute and right. The clear and distinct idea
here is why Matt Wattles supports ASEP. When he thinks of exercise
physiology, when he hires people, when his work is slowed by the failure
of sports medicine to change, when he is sadden by the idea of so many
good exercise physiologists changing careers, or when he looks to the future
of what exercise physiology will become, the tension is not static or turned
inward. Instead, the tension is a fluid experience inspired by the
image of something better for all exercise physiologists.
The ASEP Organization and Matthew
Lehn, MBA, EPC
Presently, among other ASEP responsibilities,
Matt Lehn’s attention is focused on getting companies to sponsor ASEP,
to connect with ASEP, and to help make it self-evident that ASEP is at
the threshold of becoming [the] organization of exercise physiologists
in the United States. His thinking and philosophy of exercise physiology
are understood and objectified as an ASEP board certified exercise physiologist.
And, everyone who works for him is expected to be an ASEP board certified
exercise physiologist. This is not any means a trivial point.
Matt has looked inside himself, he has looked at the role of sports medicine,
and he has looked at the world of exercise physiology around him in Indiana,
and he knows that the future of exercise physiology lies with the ASEP
organization. He believes that the responsibility for professional
development lies with the shift in responsibility from academic exercise
physiologists to non-academic master-prepared exercise physiologists.
Increasingly, therefore, the latter is becoming more responsible for the
burden of the new thinking with which professionalism is recognized as
an integral part of exercise physiology.
It is natural to question the order
of things even if it is not popular. Matt has not evaded this simple
truth. The fact that ASEP exists is worth thinking about because
its existence makes a difference, and it is independent of the organizational
objectives of non-exercise physiologists. This is important because
exercise physiology is no longer nameless or incomprehensible without speaking
of sports medicine. This by itself is huge. It is history in
the making, thus the true meaning of ASEP (according to Matt) is the right
of every exercise physiologist to come together under one vision.
Matt Lehn sees this view as not banishing the past, but learning from it
so that the future holds significantly more professional opportunities.
Here, Matt would say, “Consider for a moment if the ASEP organization disappeared
without a trace, without leaving any of its accomplishments behind, or
without being replaced by a similar organization which challenges exercise
physiologists in the similar way, would exercise physiology as a healthcare
profession survive? Would anyone take exercise physiologists seriously
with the title personal trainers or fitness experts?” This is exactly
the problem ahead of all exercise physiologists if ASEP did not exist.
The very fact that ASEP exists gives hope and sustainability to increased
future possibilities. The challenge, Matt would say, “Stay the course.
Take responsibility for affirming our convictions. Deal with negative
answers and protest against ASEP with positive thinking.”
It is precisely this kind of thinking
that points to the path of success. ASEP does exist. It is
our professional organization, and it makes our history. For this
reason, more exercise physiologists will join the “Society” of exercise
physiologists. It makes sense that this is the future reality of
all exercise physiologists. For ASEP is itself [the] organization
of exercise physiologists that has been lacking for decades.
It is almost ridiculously obvious that ASEP is [the] professional
organization of exercise physiologists. Matt would say, “It is about
making explicit for ourselves as healthcare professionals what we already
know implicitly about exercise physiology.” If ASEP did not
exist for this specific understanding, then exercise physiologists would
be hearing, thinking, and acting as sports medicine specialists alongside
fitness instructors and personal trainers. It is not in these latter
areas of work that is bad. Rather, both are important to society
and, fitness instructors in particular, serve a specific purpose in personal
self-realization, but what is important is that the knowledge of exercise
physiology transcends the knowledge of aerobic dance. This constitutes
the fundamental distinction between fitness instructors and healthcare
professionals with the meaning of all that associates with work in the
healthcare professions.
The Language and Leaders of ASEP
The reality is that Dr. Robert Robergs,
Mr. Matthew Wattles, and Mr. Matthew Lehn are all leaders. They know
what needs to be done, and it is obvious that they have committed themselves
to doing it on behalf of all exercise physiologists even if it is not popular
among those “who don’t get it.” All three support the ASEP
vision and mission statements. They understand that leading is not
about liking or not liking a colleague. Rather, it is 100% about
being absolutely responsible to the organization; not using the organization
for personal gain or for other reasons and, most importantly, it is about
avoiding being part of doing something that is popular just to be part
of a larger group. As leaders, they understand that exercise physiologists
must change the way they think and talk about exercise physiology.
They believe that the key to autonomy: (1) lies within exercise physiology
not sports medicine; (2) the accreditation of exercise physiology programs
rather than health, fitness, and personal training; and (3) ASEP board
certification instead of generic certifications. This is the language
of the ASEP leadership, not of sports medicine; of the ASEP philosophy,
not of being managed by non-exercise physiologists. It is therefore
noteworthy that ASEP exercise physiologists think of themselves as exercise
physiologists whether they have the doctorate degree or not.
No wonder the ASEP leaders have grown
with the development of the organization. They are competent, committed,
and determined to do their collective best to fulfill the ASEP vision.
The glue that holds them together is their sense of identity. It
is an understanding among them that the cause is greater than any one of
them, that the ASEP vision is more than a written document, and that it
is really is a matter of heart. The unwavering determination, the
tenacity, and the courage to follow good advice are exceptional characteristics
of men and women like Aliisa Criffield, Don Diboll, Jason Young, and
Steve Jungbauer. The very fact that they use gentle persuasion
with a humble presence to attend to the members of the organization is
evidence of their strength of character. They are among the greatest
forces of the ASEP leadership. Collectively, they are the change
agents of the future. Step by step they are removing the obstacles
that have kept exercise physiologists from promoting themselves.
They believe that the ASEP vision is worth the effort and the commitment
of its members, that believing in possibilities is vital to achieving real
change, and that there is no going back to the days of sports medicine.
We need leaders like Aliisa, Don,
Jason, and Steve who can unite us and keep us going. They understand
the power in persevering and, in so doing; they have helped turned exercise
physiology on its ear. The old sports medicine structure has gradually
given away to new leaders, new thinking, and new possibilities. They
are college teachers, directors of health and fitness centers, and supervisors
of rehabilitation programs.
The Passion of Aliisa Criffield
Aliisa is the only female on the
Board. She is forward-looking and competent. She is an inspiration
to all young exercise physiologists. She is biased about the future
of exercise physiology. She believes ASEP is [the] organization
of exercise physiologists. I’ve known Aliisa for some time now, especially
since she graduated from The College of St. Scholastica with two academic
degrees in exercise physiology. She practices what she preaches,
and she is believable because she does what she says she will do.
As a licensed athletic trainer and a board certified exercise physiologist,
ASEP fits with her beliefs. She knows that she is an exercise physiologist
and, very importantly, she has the passion to persuade other young people.
Early on after graduating with a
master’s degree in exercise physiology and securing a job in Nebraska,
Aliisa set out to start a state affiliated ASEP organization, the Nebraska
Association of Exercise Physiologists. It hasn’t been easy organizing
state meetings. It never is easy. However, the uncertainty
and lack of support from the professors of surrounding universities did
not stop her. Her work has disturbed the status quo, and it is has
awakened new thinking about exercise physiology. She seized the opportunity
to do something positive for all exercise physiologists. Her dedication
and intensity are hard to match. Make no mistake about it; Aliisa
is an important leader in the ASEP organization. As a positive role
model for women in exercise physiology, what she does will encourage others
to do it too.
The Commitment of Don Diboll,
PhD, FASEP, EPC
Don (Dr. Diboll) has kept ASEP as
a priority in his professional life. I’ve always been impressed with
his commitment. He is not the kind of person to impose his beliefs
on others and, yet his proactive involvement in ASEP has helped others
share in its values and dialogue. For me, personally, I’m driven
to take action because I’m concerned about the risk of what exercise physiology
will become without the ASEP influence. Don’s driving force seems
to be his compelling desire to do the right thing. His vision of
exercise physiology is founded in ASEP. It seems to be an intuitive
understanding (i.e., a gut reaction) to the problems faced by students
after college. Don is convinced that anything is possible when you
put your heart to it.
ASEP is all about a better future
for our students. By focusing on the ideal, everyone benefits.
Don believes that pursuing our dreams is our right. Aside from ASEP
bringing purpose to our lives, Don helps his students make the transition
from the old thinking to the new way of defining exercise physiology.
He is a college professor and chair of a department. His thinking
on behalf of all exercise physiologists is forward-looking and proactive.
There isn’t any question that he has the courage to act and to push his
limits to get things done.
The Message of Jason Young, MA,
ATC, EPC
Jason’s presentation on certification
at the 6th ASEP National Meeting in Indianapolis (April, 2004) was a statement
about the future. His reflections have helped others in attendance,
such as Jesse Pittsley, PhD of North Carolina to build a common vision
as young professionals. Jesse was taken by Jason’s comments.
When he returned to North Carolina, he founded the North Carolina Association
of Exercise Physiologists. He has also written numerous articles
about professionalism, professional development, and exercise physiology
and, presently, is the Editor for the Journal of Professional Exercise
Physiology (JPEP). Their work is about helping future exercise
physiologists. This is exactly why Jason founded the Wisconsin
Association of Exercise Physiologists. What is unique about Jason
is that he has extended himself beyond his everyday work to carry us forward
into the future. His leadership is about doing something meaningful
for all exercise physiologists. After all, he would say, “It’s about
getting rid of the confusion, contradiction, and ambiguity about exercise
physiology.” Clearly he is breathing new life into exercise physiology
in Wisconsin.
The Professionalism of Steve Jungbauer,
MBA, EPC
Steve’s enthusiasm, excitement,
and commitment to exercise physiology are contagious. As past-President
of ASEP, he left a powerful mark. His track record exemplifies the
leader who has an inner understanding of what it takes to get the job done.
His Presidency faced many issues and concerns that could have easily thrown
off the equilibrium of the organization. He limited the damaged and
kept ASEP moving forward just as he did with the ASEP 2003-2004 licensure
document that was submitted to the Senators of Minnesota. Steve is
very interested in satisfying the needs of the exercise physiologists.
Getting people to pull in the same direction and working together smoothly
is one of his strengths.
In fact, under his leadership, as
mentioned, significant changes at the Board level were made that were extremely
difficult at the time. Steve’s leadership is testimonial of his deep
caring for the ASEP organization and its role in the professional development
of exercise physiology. Not all decisions are easy. Many are
down right a pain to resolve. Steve was able to remain objective
in dealing with the board members, the process, and the specifics of what
had to be done. His readiness to take charge and to set the stage
for emphasis on “professionalism” provided a valuable service to all members
of the Society. His Presidency is a model for all future leaders
of the organization.
The Intellectually Stimulating
Lonnie Lowery, PhD, RD
Last but not least by any means
is Lonnie Lowery; a very capable person with many interesting ideas and
strategic perspectives. His involvement with ASEP has been greeted
with cheers of approval. As Editor of the ASEPNewsletter, he has
developed a new and contemporary website to pass along news, events, and
all messages important to exercise physiology. Each month he pinpoints
a specific behavior, attitude, or skill by way of an editorial or article.
And, after putting into place the monthly email steps to getting out the
newsletter, he has thereby removed obstacles to encouraging others to read
about ASEP.
To fully understand his contribution
to the organization, you would need to attend one of his lectures on supplements,
athletics, and professionalism. Leaders are typically creative people,
and Lonnie is more creative than most. I found his lecture in Indianapolis
both intellectually challenging and timely. He established himself
as a person with a keen understanding of ethics and professionalism.
By bringing forth ideas that did not exist previously or that existed in
a different form, Lonnie has continued to distinguish himself as an important
and engaging member of the Board of Directors. Just between you and
me, I’m captured by his knowledge of nutrition and his bonding with the
ASEP organization.
The ASEP Influence on Exercise
Physiology
I’m glad Lonnie and the rest of
the ASEP leadership are anticipating and creating the future of exercise
physiology. Their thinking, action, and hard work are setting a direction
that should have been defined decades ago. Now, that we know where
we are going and how to get there our success is ensured. Members
of the Board have, in effect, reinvented exercise physiology in the United
States. There was no code of ethics before ASEP. There is a
code now. There was no healthcare definition of what is exercise
physiology before ASEP. There is a definition now. There was
no certification designed specifically for the exercise physiologist before
ASEP. There is one now. There was no accreditation of academic
programs before ASEP. There is one now. There was no scope
of professional practice before ASEP. There is one now. There
were no truly visionary leaders of exercise physiology before ASEP.
They exist now. If you are unfamiliar with these accomplishes and
much more, study the ASEP website. The ASEP leadership has done these
things for all exercise physiologists, and the leadership did it in a very
short time period.
However, what is important about
creating the future is that it carries with it many challenges that are
not just about getting things done. For example, there is the hint
that the organization is too small as if being big is the answer to strategy
formulation or the difference between success and failure. Being
big is a good thing in many respects, and yet it can be a problem when
the organization is guided by groupthink. Entrepreneurial leaders
understand the value in being small and in reinventing new ideas and strategies.
Hence, there will be times when, no matter how much you desire otherwise,
how desperately you may want to be embraced by a larger audience, you will
need to appreciate the influence of a smaller organization. Small
is not bad. Everything that is big started small. It is admittedly
the first step of change, regardless of idealism, experience, and enthusiasm.
With small comes possibilities, with small comes different points of view,
and with small comes determination and tenacity.
Everything has a beginning.
I read somewhere, as I recall, “Benjamin Franklin was 16 when he became
a newspaper columnist, but he was 81 when he forged the compromise that
framed the Constitution of the United States.” Being small either
in size or age has little to do with Academy Award status. So in
the middle of a conversation, when a colleague talks about the importance
of a larger organization, and states that ASEP is small and, therefore,
insignificant you will have a better understanding of how to think about
the comments. Most every organization has its place, much like everything
else we encounter in life. Perhaps, rather than speaking badly of
a small or medium size organization, we should think about the interconnectedness
of everyone and everything. So much is at stake when we catch ourselves
putting down an employee or turning our backs to a new idea. Some
organizations will never be big and they shouldn’t be. It is not
about bigness anyway. An organization’s commitment to its members
and its vision is what leadership is about.
What a great gift the ASEP leadership
and members who support the ASEP perspective have given all exercise physiologists!
What they have done is not just point us in the right direction, but they
have given us hope as well. If we will just stop for a moment
to reflect, we will find ourselves no longer separated from the right path
to success. There is nothing more important than going in the right
direction. Perhaps you will find yourself thinking about the ASEP
leadership, in a discussion with a colleague tomorrow, in the laboratory
of another important research project, or in an email with a student.
Maybe, then, you may realize the true treasure of any organization is its
leadership and its members who restore and renew our hope in a better future.
Can you imagine how much happier and more satisfied we would be if all
exercise physiologists embrace the ASEP experience? Incredible accomplishments
await us. Everyone wins.
