{"id":6861,"date":"2016-03-16T22:18:36","date_gmt":"2016-03-17T02:18:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/progressions.prsa.org\/?p=6861"},"modified":"2018-08-11T12:42:58","modified_gmt":"2018-08-11T16:42:58","slug":"talent-development-how-to-uplift-future-leaders-national-assembly-recap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/progressions.prsa.org\/index.php\/2016\/03\/16\/talent-development-how-to-uplift-future-leaders-national-assembly-recap\/","title":{"rendered":"Talent Development: How to Uplift Future Leaders [National Assembly Recap]"},"content":{"rendered":"

Session:<\/b> Talent Development and How to Uplift Future Leaders<\/span><\/p>\n

Presenter:<\/b> Bonnie Upright APR, PRSA Board Liaison<\/span><\/p>\n

Joshua Gordon, Vice President of Member Services<\/span><\/p>\n

Victoria Lewis, Vice President of Advocacy<\/span><\/p>\n

Sarah Johnson, Vice President of Professional Development<\/span><\/p>\n

Gary Bridgens, Vice President of Chapter Development<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Student<\/a>
Students working in small groups during the talent development session at National Assembly. Photo courtesy of Bethany Corne.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Recap:<\/b><\/p>\n

On her first day on the job at an agency, Bonnie Upright took her future into her own hands\u2014literally. Her boss Del Galloway, APR, former PRSA chair, placed a PRSA membership packet into her hands and told her that she should join. Now, sixteen years later, Upright is a member of the PRSA Board of Director, PRSA Board Liaison for the PRSSA National Committee, and APR accredited. Upright\u2019s talent got her to the top, but it was Galloway\u2019s encouragement that enabled her to start her leadership journey.<\/span><\/p>\n

Just like Galloway inspired Upright to reach her full potential, it is the responsibility of older PRSSA members to recognize the talents and potential in their Chapter\u2019s younger members. Older students should look for those young superstars who display the characteristics of an effective public relations professional\u2014ambition, enthusiasm, sincerity and willingness to participate. Then they should take that student under their wing and guide them to success.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat Del did for me was that he really instilled in me the importance of having that mentor,\u201d Upright said. \u201cHe believed in me and he supported me. It wasn\u2019t just checking a box, but it was very much about empowering me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The best way for younger students to grow as leaders is to surround themselves with the right people. You should never be the smartest person in the room, Upright said.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPutting yourself around super smart people does not mean you are weak, does not mean you don\u2019t know,\u201d Upright said. \u201cEveryone has a specific skill set and something they will be good at. Part of being a good leader is recognizing that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

This is where experienced older students can play a role. All upperclassmen should take the initiative to mentor their younger peers. Older students should recognize younger students\u2019 talents, help them build their skills and ultimately be their best resource. Acting as a mentor will encourage these students to reach their full potential and become future leaders in the field.<\/span><\/p>\n

Takeaways:<\/b><\/p>\n