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LEADERSHIP: READY OR NOT

Last spring I was asked to be the V.P. of Governmental Affairs for DHASNY. I thought I’m busy but I can step in and do this…a few extra meetings a year, maybe a trip to Albany to speak with the Legislators. I figured I love my profession I can do this.

One month into my VP career and the President resigned. I panicked as I thought “I didn’t sign on for this, I’m so not ready for the Presidency”. As I took a deep breath and calmed myself down I started thinking a few different thoughts.

From Left to Right: Robin Grasso, RDH - President, Donna Hickey, RDH - Secretary, Marie Cramer, RDH -Treasurer Nicole Massara,RDH -V.P. Member Services Paula Fischer, RDH - V.P. Governmental Affairs Millie Thaw, RDH - V.P. Professional Developement Lucy Bianco, RDH - President Elect

I changed my mindset as I realized I’m a volunteer and you can’t fire a volunteer. This thought made me feel so much better and I would do my best under these unusual circumstances. I began by studying Parliamentary Procedures during the summer and tried not to lose sleep. I’ve always felt comfortable and confident with both public speaking and when explaining the importance of dental hygiene to my patients, so I knew I would not have a problem in this regard.

I did not know how I would handle the DHASNY Board of Directors and the House of Delegates. September of 2008 I went to Albany for my first Board of Directors meeting. I knew the Board was not functioning well because of a breakdown in communication and most importantly a breakdown in respect. I decided to be the best listener and show everyone the respect they were deserving of. That board meeting went extremely well. The State (Annual Session) meeting was held at the Crowne Plaza in White Plains, New York October 31-November 2, 2008. DHASNY Annual Session is the largest Dental Hygiene Meeting in New York State. Our Westchester Delegation worked very hard as your component representatives.

As President I took pride in the fact that this organization goes on despite major changes in the hierarchy. I learned that a true leader does not find fault, but moves forward by doing their best under all circumstances. You can provide solutions to the problems. I also realized that a sense of humor in very helpful to cut through tension. By showing respect to everyone, they will in turn show respect to you and those around them, this mutual respect lead to the issues at hand getting done.

The DHASNY Presidency was a major undertaking. You never know what you can accomplish until you try. Do something that is outside of your BOX, something that makes you feel challenged and uncertain. What a rush you will experience when you shine and prove to yourself that all the work was worth the effort.

Respectfully submitted by Robin Grasso, RDH
DHASNY Past President

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