Leadership Development & Election Process
The development of leaders and selection of candidates for the Board of Trustees reflects significant innovations to increase diversity and inclusivity in ASPHO governance. High performing medical societies promote a competency-based board by identifying the competencies and experiences desired of Board members and where gaps exist. This helps to identify people who are prepared to meet the obligations of the job, increase diversity and inclusivity in our governance structure, and help the Board meet the strategic goals of the organization. ASPHO’s recent undertaking to review and improve this process is also an opportunity to ensure transparency with its membership. FAQs have been developed to answer common questions regarding these efforts.
Competencies Developed for Selection of Candidates
Regular and International members in good standing for a minimum of (3) years prior to the time of nomination who can help lead ASPHO into the future as guided by the Society’s Strategic Plan and commitment to diversity are encouraged to consider a leadership position.
The Leadership Development Committee has identified six competencies that will be used as criteria to select Board At-large Trustee candidates including Organization Awareness and Knowledge, Integrity/Responsibility/Accountability; Team Orientation; Decision Making/Problem Solving; Strategic Visioning and Direction Setting; and Communication as detailed below :
Organization Awareness and Knowledge
- Aware of strategic goals, structure and culture inside the organization to identify potential organizational problems and opportunities
- Understands and uses organizational policies and culture to meet goals and solve problems of multiple constituencies
- Understands the impact of trends with the association and the community as a whole
Integrity/Responsibility/Accountability
- Requires fairness and honesty in all dealings and puts the interests of the organization ahead of personal interests
- Applies discretion and discernment by keeping private confidential discussions
- Preparedness, demonstrating readiness for meetings and conversations; demonstrates follow through on assigned responsibilities and duties
- Passionate support and commitment to the organizations’ mission and values
Team Orientation
- Works effectively with team or work groups to accomplish organizational goals
- Takes actions that respect the needs and contributions of others
- Contributing to and accepting the consensus; supports group decisions
- Seeks and values diversity of thought from others; especially those different from oneself
Decision Making/Problem Solving
- Commits to an action after considering pros/cons/alternative courses of action that are based on information and takes into consideration resources, constraints, and organization value.
- Employs knowledge-based decision making as well as organizational aspiration as a guide for decision making
- Aligns the interests of multiple diverse stakeholders in analyzing problems
Strategic Visioning and Direction Setting
- Can imagine a desired future state and is able to convey the vision to others
- Considers the social, environmental, governmental, and other social systems and is aware of how they shape future direction
- Uses influencing skills to collaborate across boundaries and build a vision with others
- Focuses on big picture (or long-term strategy) rather than short-term administrative issues
Communication
- Communicates with others openly, respectfully, and with care
- Demonstrated ability and desire to listen to all points of view with an open mind
- Capacity to deliver concise and clear messages
The Leadership Development Committee has identified six competencies that will be used as criteria to select Vice President candidates including Leadership, Strategic Visioning and Direction Setting, Decision Making/Problem Solving, Organization Awareness and Knowledge, Integrity/Responsibility/Accountability, and Commitment as detailed below. These criteria are in addition to initial eligibility criteria established by the organization including: regular or international member for three years prior to the time of nomination and strong consideration of members that have served on the Board for at least two of the six years immediately prior to the time they would assume office.
Leadership
- Negotiation – effectively exploring alternatives and positions to reach consensus; explores others’ needs, concerns and positions; able to make tough and unpopular decisions
- Using appropriate interpersonal styles and methods to inspire and guide individuals toward goal achievement
- Considers resources (e.g., financial, capacity, etc) when making decisions (opportunity cost)
- Develops a culture of collaboration, cooperation, and cohesiveness across stakeholders
Strategic Visioning and Direction Setting
- Uses influencing skills to collaborate across boundaries and build a vision with others
- Focuses on big picture (or long-term strategy) rather than short term administrative issues
- Can imagine a desired future state and is able to convey the vision to others
- Considers the social, environmental, governmental, and other social systems and is aware of how they shape future direction
Decision Making/Problem Solving
- Commits to an action after considering various courses of action that are based on complete and relevant information
- Employs knowledge-based decision making as well as organizational aspiration as a guide for decision making
- Aligns the interests of multiple diverse stakeholders in analyzing problems
Organization Awareness and Knowledge (ASPHO)
- Aware of strategic goals, structure and culture inside the organization in order to effectively facilitate adaptive change and problem-solving
- Understands and uses organizational policies and culture to meet goals and solve problems
- Understands the impact of trends with the association and the community as a whole
Integrity/Responsibility/Accountability
- Requires fairness and honesty in all dealings and puts the interests of the organization ahead of personal interests
- Preparedness, demonstrating readiness for meetings and conversations; demonstrates follow through on assigned responsibilities and duties
- Applies discretion and discernment by keeping private confidential discussions
Commitment
- Guides and engages the organization in achieving the desired objectives defined by the strategic plan
- Passionate support and commitment to the organizations mission and values
- Accepts the specific duties of the officer positions, including time and travel
Call for Nominations
ASPHO members interested in Board service should be able to demonstrate achievement in the above competencies. In addition to the position specific competencies, other areas that would broaden the Board's diversity in at-Large positions are:
- specialty focus on hematology
- expanding gender diversity (current makeup is 60% male)
Open positions for the 2025-2026 slate:
- Trustee-at-Large Three-year renewable term (see above desired demographics)
Through active engagement and participation at board and association events, board trustees work collaboratively among themselves and the association staff, volunteers and members to fulfill the mission, forward the strategic plan, set policy and secure the organization’s fiscal health. Review the complete job description.
- Vice President One-year term* (followed by terms as President and Past President)
The Vice President assists the President and Executive Director in a variety of roles, including agenda development, issue monitoring, performing the President’s duties in their absence, assisting with committee chair appointments, and conducting new member orientation. The Vice President also serves as a member of the Executive and Finance Committees.
The call for the 2025-2026 slate will open in October 2024.
The Process
Utilizing the competency-based framework for reviewing candidates, ASPHO strives to ensure the most qualified candidates are selected to support a diverse Board of Trustees. To view the full process, please view our process diagram. Candidates for the Board will also be asked to complete a disclosure agreement and made aware of industry employment.
*Due to the individualized information being sought from candidates and descriptions of how they can provide leadership based on the competency areas, only candidates for Board positions may apply. If you know of an individual who meets the criteria and who might be willing to serve on the ASPHO Board, encourage them to complete the candidate application.