Leadership Development Program

A Program of the Dallas County Dental Society

Friday, October 1, 2010

Attendees of the 2010 DCDS Leadership Training Program were treated to an energetic, entertaining and inspiring presentation from Mr. Bryan Dodge on October 1. His presentation, “Take Ownership of Leadership in Your Own Life” focused on ways to effectively incorporate leadership skills into every aspect of life.

"I thought the conference was an essential move in allowing members of the DCDS, young, middle aged as well as our more 'seasoned' practioners, to step forward and make it known that they want to be leaders," said Dr. Sarah Pollan-White. "So often in a group like the DCDS we pick out people, often our friends, and tell them, 'you need to run for this position or head up a new committee, etc.'"

Dodge discussed the reasons people put off a call to leadership, and how we can all be inspired to take action quickly.

“The ‘Truth of Diminishing Intent’ says you must take action within 48 hours,” he said. Adding, when inspired to move, you must move before you get distracted.

Among many other topics he covered, including how to lead others, making goals, and changing how we live to make our environment condusive to change, Dodge told the group not to get discouraged by obstacles that seem to prevent us from getting involved.

“People do not shoot people who are down--they don’t waste the bullets,” said Dodge. “They shoot at those making a difference, so be thankful for the bullets.”

The presentation was followed by an explanation of the structure and positions of the Society’s leadership by DCDS President Dr. Wayne Woods. He covered the committees, Board of Directors, and other ways members can get involved and work toward a leadership position. A networking lunch concluded the day.

Nearly 40 members attended the Leadership Program this year. Please encourage fellow DCDS members to attend the program in 2011.