April 2016
If we cannot envision the world we would like to live in, we cannot work towards its creation. If we cannot place ourselves in it, in our imagination, we will not believe it is possible.— Chellis Glendinning GetRuralLeaderMag.com | APRIL 2016 1
Contents
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD Rural Leader Magazine, LLC is a digital publication that highlights every day people doing extraordinary things nationally and abroad. RuralLeaderMagazine.com RuralLeaderMag.com GetRuralLeaderMag.com
Contributing Writers Wally Adamchik Author and Leadership Consultant Brent Filson Author and Consultant Soren Lauritzen Author and Personal Development Coach Keith Lawrence Miller Certified Executive Coach, Consultant, Entrepreneur, and Organizational Psychologist
Tell us what you think about our publica-
tions, if you have a great idea for a story, or to just share. We may print your comments in Rural Leader Magazine. By sending us your comments, you’re giving permission to call you for an interview. Please be sure to include your name, address, email address, and phone number so we can reach you. Write to us at editor@ruralleadermagazine.com— Reproduction in any manner, in whole or in part, in English, or other languages, is prohibited without written consent. Send editorial ideas to Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD, Editor-in-Chief editor@ruralleadermagazine.com
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4 Beyond the City: Misconceptions about Hunger in Rural America 5 Introducing Tru-Delicious Bakery 13 S.M.A.R.T. Goals Explained 16 Leadership Dilemma: The American Leadership Paradox 18 Community BBQ A Hugh Success 20 Three Tips to Land A Job After College 21 Great Leaders Grow Deep Roots: Six Characteristics of Exceptional Leaders 25 Twenty Sixteen Forty under 40 Nominations Now Open 27 Nurses Address Global Healthcare Concerns through Virtual Learning 28 World Water Day Brings Awareness to the
Global Water Crisis 29 Organizational Leadership: Three Principles for Higher Leadership Effectiveness 32 A Lasting Leadership Lesson: How one Leadership talk by George Washington Saved the Revolution 33 Twenty Sixteen 20 under 20 Nominations Now Open 34 Leadership Examples that Provide Insight into Developing Personal Leadership Skills 36 Five Tips for Mastering Your First Phone Interview 37 GSAACC Receives House Resolution Via Georgia General Assembly 38 Butler New Media Teams up with GSAACC to develop website
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Editor’s Note
Reader's Voice
Dear Rural Leader Magazine, I am truly inspired by your mission. I discovered your publication online and was truly amazed. Thanks for committing to highlight the great folks in small communities!— Linda B. Bainbridge, Georgia
Dear Rural Leader Magazine, Just wanted to let you know that I am so excited about the Forty under 40 Honors. This is a great way to encourage young leaders to keep striving. Jessie W.— Dothan, Alabama
Dear Rural Leader Magazine, Please update the website with more stories about small town folk. I think this really gives your publication its charm. — John E. Road Top, Texas Dear Rural Leader Magazine, Just wanted to say thank you for an awesome publication.— Belinda L. Holly Springs, MS
Dear Reader, I am excited to reveal the fourth installment of Rural Leader Magazine. The theme of this month’s publication is the value of developing global leaders who are ready to change the world. Inside this issue, we have assembled a series of articles to enlighten, to educate, and to inspire. I am excited about to share inspiring story of Shellman, Georgia, native, Trudy Terry. Read her inspiring story of how turning a passion into a thriving business (See page 5). Learn about S.M.A.R.T. Goals and how to apply them (See page 13). Discover how great leaders become exceptional leaders (See page 21). Learn organizational leadership skills and principles for developing higher leadership effectiveness (See page 29.) And much more! As a reminder, the call for nominations for the Third Annual Forty under 40 Honors is still underway. Nominations are open to residents of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. Albany Technical College in Georgia will host this year’s honors luncheon. Nominations close April 30th. See details on page 25. Also, a national call for nominations began March 30th for Rural Leader Magazine’s Twenty under 20 Honors. Learn more about the qualifying criteria and more on page 33. I hope you enjoy this issue and continue to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google +, and LinkedIn. P. S. Check out our new website at RuralLeaderMag. com and let us know what you think. Regards,
Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
What you do matters. GetRuralLeaderMag.com | APRIL 2016 3 @RuralLeaderMag
Beyond the City: Misconceptions about Hunger in Rural America
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or farming communities around the country, spring brings not only sunshine and blooms, it means it’s planting season. Farmers are already working hard and planning ahead to ensure a bountiful harvest in the fall. Spring is also a time for renewed hope and the anticipation of the abundance produced. However, for many people in the very areas where mile after mile of productive crops exist, children and families are facing hunger. In America today, more than 3 million households in rural communities face hunger, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. In fact, counties with the highest rates of food insecurity are more likely to be found in rural areas, according to Feeding America’s “Map the Meal Gap 2015” study. While awareness about hunger in America is growing, support is often focused on the impact in urban areas. But with many of the most food-insecure households
in rural towns across the United States, it’s no time to overlook these families in need. Max Tjaden, a fifth generation farmer in Kingman, Kansas, does not need research or statistics to understand the issue of hunger in rural communities. He has seen first-hand how hunger affects his neighbors. “My community only has a small pantry that’s open a few times a week,” Tjaden says. “A farmer friend of mine was volunteering and mentioned he saw someone he would never expect at the pantry getting food. It’s times like that when you are surprised by how many people and families this affects. It’s particularly hard to see children in need. In America, every child should have access to enough food.” Fighting hunger in rural communities comes with unique challenges. Unlike urban areas, many rural towns don’t have food banks. This means that one food bank might serve multiple communities through food pantries
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and meal programs that are hundreds of miles apart. Furthermore, these pantries often have limited resources, supplies and volunteers - all barriers to helping to secure meals to individuals who struggle with hunger. From coast to coast, families, children and seniors in rural areas struggle to make ends meet, which often translates to minimal budgets for food each month. Food pantries and community programs can be a reliable support system for people in need, but frequently demand exceeds supply. There is a tradition of helping ones neighbor in rural communities, including Tjaden’s. He wanted to make a difference in his community, and after learning about the Invest An Acre program, he’s found a way to give back. Invest An Acre is a way for farmers to help food banks in rural and farming communities provide more food to people facing hunger. Farmers can donate a portion of their crop proceeds Cont'd on page 17
Special Feature
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Introducing Tr u - D e l i c i o u s B a k e r y
rudy Terry, 38, discovered early a love for baking. Little did she know that one day her passion would become a successful home-based business. Born and raised in the small town of Shellman, population 1,005 and located in the east corner of Randolph County, Georgia. Trudy is the daughter of Ella Neal and the granddaughter of Annie Marcus. She is one of five children and a 1995 graduate of Randolph-Clay High School. “I recall that it was during a home economics course I discovered my love for baking. Mrs. Betsy Daniels Huffman was my teacher. While in the course, we had the opportunity to cater school events. This was the beginning for me. I learned that I was really good a this,” she said. Trudy, however, did not pursue her culinary skills immediately after high school. Life took her on a variety of different paths. “I always loved hair and makeup, so I enrolled in South Georgia Technical College in Americus to pursue cosmetology,” she said. Trudy successfully completed the cosmetology program in 1997. However, she realized that maybe she wanted to do something else. “I really enjoyed doing hair but discovered it was also challenging. It was difficult to establish and to maintain clients in the area…You really have to knock yourself out with work to earn a decent living,” she said. Trudy moved from Americus to Albany and enrolled in Business Office Technology at Albany Technical College. She completed the program in 2001. Sometime later, Trudy took a part-time job at Walmart in Albany. It was this twist of fate that would take Trudy on another path. “A co-worker, one day, asked if I knew how to make a caramel cake. I responded nonchalantly, yes. My coworker then asked if I’d be willing to bake one for her A few days later, I brought the cake to work with me, and my coworker split the cake in half. She took a half home and left the remainder in the break room. Shortly, thereafter, everyone was inquiring about who made the caramel cake. (She chuckled.) The caramel cake was the beginning of my homebased bakery business,” she said. As the orders came in, Trudy was excited to re-
Trudy Terry, owner of Tru-Delicous Bakery in Albany, Georgia. Courtesy Photo. kindle her passion for baking. She enrolled in Albany Technical College again. This time, she was a culinary arts student. Trudy loved the opportunity to be creative and to hone her baking skills. In 2004, she completed the program. As word of mouth continued to spread of Trudy’s work, her business grew tremendously. “People began following me on Facebook and posting pictures of certain cakes they wanted. It was then I realized that I could really do this. I really had a calling for this," she said. Before, she knew it, Trudy had a full-fledged business, which she creatively named Tru-Delicious Bakery. Today, Trudy has made hundreds of tradition-
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Designer themed cake by Trudy, owner of Tru-Delicious Bakery. al, designer, and custom sweet treats for all occasions, such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, and baby showers. Trudy has continued to grow her skill and business accepting many challenging assignments. However, through each challenge, she discovered her ability to problem-solve, while being creative. She also learned the importance of being business savvy to establish long term goals, such as one day opening multiple bakeries. “Being from a small town has its advantages and
disadvantages with regard to amenities, but great people have roots here. I am so appreciative of the love ones who encouraged me to pursue my passion and dreams. I am excited about the future of my business, for I know that with God all things are truly possible.” Trudy currently resides in Albany, Georgia, where she is the owner and operator of Tru-Delicious Bakery. For more information, call 229-343-3711or engage on Facebook.—
Index 1 Baby Shower Cake 6 Doc McStuffins 11 Dancing Dolls Themed Cake 2 Baby Shower Cake 7 Drum Themed Cake 12 3-Tier Wedding Cake 3 Sports Cake 8 Birthday Cake 13 Sponge Bob Cake 4 Mason Designer Cake 9 Purse/Beauty Cake 14 2-Tier Wedding Cake 5 Agriculture Themed Cake 10 Birthday Cake 15 Birthday Cake
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16 Atlanta Falcons Cake 17 Atlanta Hawks Cake 18 Tea Cake 19 Stars Birthday Cake 20 Frozen Themed Cake 21 Fish themed cake
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Goals Explained By Keith Lawrence Miller
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uccessful people create S.M.A.R.T. goals and people are successful because they create S.M.A.R.T. goals. A true full circle – below is an outline of how you can apply S.M.A.R.T. goals to your process so you could enhance your success in a shorter amount of time and join the ranks of the Elite. It all begins with an end goal in mind – A true desire – A need that you want to fill. S.M.A.R.T. is an acronym for creating a process to reach the end result with success. Stress is produced when order turns into havoc and having a S.M.A.R.T. blueprint allows the goal to take on its own form of auto-pilot thus reducing associated stress. S.M.A.R.T. goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely. Specific – I want to make a lot of money vs. I want to make 250k within the next 8 months. A specific measuring point provides you a metric for success or failure and provides a solid mental structure that creates motivation and purpose. Measurable – Daily, Weekly, Monthly metrics are important when measuring your progress to meet the end goal. Developing a specific amount of time per day dedicated to making a specific amount of money will allow you to measure the difference between existing and needed amounts to reach the end goal. These measurable structures allow you to create an automated trajectory to meet your end goal. This will allow you to adjust your metrics along the journey in order to reach the desired target or to reduce the end goal to a more realistic outcome. “Things that get measured get done” – Peter Drucker Attainable – Or in other words realistic – You will not go from earning no money to earning 10 billion every 6 months. Although we would like to make
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drastic leaps in earning potential, this is not realistic. Develop a realistic goal that can be achieved. Coaches note: Don’t sell yourself short either – You can achieve great things with great effort – All things are possible if you believe in yourself, find the correct operations, and work hard and diligently to achieve your desired results. Relevant – How does this goal apply to your life? Are you motivated to meet this goal? Do you own the goal? The importance of the goal in relation to your life satisfaction is optimal for applying yourself to completing your efforts. If there is no substantial benefit or improvement then why are you doing it anyway? Choose your goals strategically and make certain that you want to achieve the desired results and gain a full understanding on the rewards you will receive on your journey. Timely – Start the countdown – Without a time limit, the goal accomplishment could go on indefinitely. Without a future goal post to signal the end will inhibit your success by allowing daily distractions to interfere with your required efforts. Success is defined as meeting goals. Set a feasible target date to enhance commitment and focus and this is the final step in being S.M.A.R.T. If you would like to learn more – visit: http://MillionDollarCoachingCompany.com About the Author Keith Lawrence Miller is a Columbia University graduate, who is a Certified Executive Coach & Consultant - Entrepreneur - Organizational Psychologist. Miller provides services to Maximize Opportunity through Innovative Communication and Goal Setting by using Strategy in Leadership, Business, Career, and Life. Learn more online at EliteProCoach.com or Coachonomics.com or call 855-MyPro-Coach.—
What you do matters. GETRURALLEADERMAG.COM
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Leadership Dilemma: The American Leadership Paradox By Keith Lawrence Miller
As professional coaches, we aim to support the development of our clients to meet strategic goals and to enhance the overall quality of life. Coaching and Leadership intersect – In the organizational sense; Associates want value from their leaders, and desire to develop a co-relationship focused on achieving success. The current zeitgeist of Leadership is trending towards acquiring specific skills that are possessed by the coaching industry. As potential change agents, coaches must ask powerful questions about the psychological dynamics of our society at large. • Are we at war with ourselves? • Why are large bureaucratic organizations slow to act? • How do we understand the complexities of the struggle? Society demands a powerful altruistic Leader that makes quick decisions that benefit everyone while simultaneously providing security. However, America is a nation of individualists who strive to be the Leader, and are ashamed to be categorized in the role of follower. Simply, American culture
frowns upon the follower and the omnipotent Leader is exaggeratedly admired. • Who do you want to be? The Leader of course! Well, the problem is that Leaders need followers. If everyone is the Leader and no-one follows, then there is a Leadership dilemma called The American Leadership Paradox. 1. Society wants community and togetherness, but explicitly yearns for a capitalist society with individualist freedom. 2. Society values family, but relishes in the rebel persona. 3. American culture is a paradox that attempts to indulge within both ends of the spectrum. Leaders are unable to lead because society chooses to scoff at instead of follow. Cognitive dissonance is displayed towards Leaders, and society at large believes they are capable of producing better results. Trust and integrity have been squandered by previous leaders which disables pre-determined respect for future Leaders. The Nature/Nurture debate – Is
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it inborn or due to the situation? Current research has determined the debate to be estimated at a 50/50 split. If there are wonderful Leaders and the situation is not conducive to leading, then the cold-hard truth is – Leaders will fail 50% of the time regardless of inborn or learned ability. Current Leadership is failing at an astounding rate (over 70%). What constitutes leadership failure? Short answer: Not meeting goals. • How do we survive in a Leaderless society if our models in family, business, politics, education, and more, require a Leader who has power that is admired and followed? • Can we all be leaders without followers or is there another solution? Currently, the common consensus is that: our Leaders are unethical, self-centered, and ruining our economy! Americans, don’t trust the government, don’t trust commercials, and in fact, place little faith on anything. Why? Is it because Americans are horrible
people, or is it because our system is coming to a breaking point? I argue for the latter. • Why do we tolerate unethical leadership? • Why do some leaders act unethically? Our individualist system funneled these leaders to the pinnacle because they are the best players of the game our society has produced. They are tolerated because, if they are great Leaders, elitist, and are flawed, then the individual perception interprets an ego-boost which sends the individual’s self-esteem sky rocketing. The ego-imagination covets the positive regard of a Leader, and an unethical Leader with praise is lesser qualified for the role of Leader than the self. The American Leadership Paradox! • How do we fix the Paradox? Fixing or modifying any paradox is a mission within a mission, which might never be accomplished, and is why venturing out on this journey is more than challenging. Albeit while complex, well worth the strategic effort because Leadership is an integral part of a successful society. Beyond the City, cont'd from page 4 at their local grain elevator, by check, or online and Monsanto matches each donation dollar for dollar. This means 200 percent of what a farmer gives goes back to the local food bank. It’s a simple way to help one’s town and the people who need it most. Anyone interested in helping their neighbors facing hunger can also support Invest An Acre; donations will also be matched by Monsanto and benefit the local food bank serving the community. Visit www.investanacre.org to learn more. Tjaden is now encouraging farmers across the country to participate in Invest An Acre to directly help their own communities eliminate food insecurity. “What’s neat about the Invest An Acre program is any farmer in the United States can bring their grain to a participating elevator and let them know just how much they would like to donate,” says Tjaden. “I think it taps back into some values that have been instilled over time. When we help our neighbors and help our communities, we’re really helping ourselves,” Tjaden says. “With Invest An Acre, it’s never been easier to give back.”—BPT
Professional Leadership Coaching: Enhancing self-awareness of cultural factors and aiding in understanding the application of value-based Leadership. Utilizing expert coaching tools to raise awareness and move Leaders through blinding dimensions. As coaches, we could participate in curbing and overcoming the deterioration of the aforementioned: American Leadership. We cannot be concerned with the system and concentration of choosing Leaders, but rather, concentrate on the coaching role in development which is integral to Leadership success. — About the Author Keith Lawrence Miller, is a Columbia University graduate, who is a Certified Executive Coach, Consultant, Entrepreneur, and Organizational Psychology. Miller provides Certified Professional Action-based Coaching and Consultation services. Miller helps clients to Maximize Opportunity through Innovative Communication and Goal Setting. For more information, call 855-My-Pro-Coach.
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Community BBQ A Huge Success The Community Barbecue was held Saturday, March 26, 2016 in the Day Park in Cuthbert. Despite inclement weather prohibiting previously planned activities, the event was a huge success. Community youth enjoyed the festivities. There were a number of activities such as face painting, live musical performances, a magic show, free food, and the dissemination of valuable information. The event was organized and sponsored by a mentoring group called, No Excuses. The No Excuses mentoring group is composed of several Randolph Clay High School Alumni, including Mario Mitch-
ell ’06, Britney Johnson ’07, Frank James ’06, Eric Thomas, Jr., ’06, and Rashad Brown, ’06. Special thanks to all sponsors. Special acknowledgement of Quest for Change for presenting valuable information to teens during the event. Mario Mitchell, event organizer, plans to make the event an annual event for both Randolph and Clay County residents. The next event will be held in Fort Gaines, Georgia in the Spring 2017. For more information or to volunteer, contact Mario Mitchell at 229-310-0237 or write to mmitchell.noexcuses@ gmail.com.—
Highlights
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Three Tips to Land a Job After College
America’s unemployment rate recently hit its lowest level in seven years. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, that’s just in time for 2.8 million graduates with bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees to enter the workforce. However, a college degree does not always lead to gainful employment. Millennials make up 40 percent of the unemployed in the United States, according to Anthony Carnavale, a director and research professor at Georgetown University’s Center on Education and Workforce. Now, more than ever, it is imperative that students select a college or university with the resources to land them a job. While it is important to consider proximity, cost, accreditation and atmosphere, you also want to keep the end goal in mind - a career. So what else should you look at when researching a school? 1. Make meaningful industry connections. It’s all about connections in today’s job hunts, and it’s likely the same will be true for the class of 2020 and beyond. In fact, 80 percent of jobs aren’t advertised according to Steven Rothberg, founder of CollegeRecruiter.com. A search on a university’s LinkedIn page will reveal the cities, companies and industries in which alumni work. Access to a strong alumni network will help prepare students for a career by opening doors
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to internships and jobs. A network of trusted and connected professors is equally as important as a network of successful alumni. During the campus visit, students should ask about the faculty’s experience and reputation and make introductions early. 2. Gain real world experience. Today’s employers are on the lookout for students who have found their niche and demonstrated leadership skills in real-world scenarios. For example, students thinking about a career in engineering should look for schools with programs like EcoCAR 3, a premier collegiate competition grooming the next generation of advanced engineers trained across disciplines - from engineering to marketing. Public relations majors can participate in the Bateman Case Study Competition, where college teams create and implement a full public relations campaign to raise awareness on a selected topic. The National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition offers students interested in information assurance or computer security the opportunity to defend a commercial network against common outside threats. “More and more we’re seeing today’s top companies request students from our program because they’ve gained the hands-on experience that the classroom doesn’t offer,” says Kristen De La Rosa, Continued on page 37
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By Scott Campbell
Great Leaders Grow Deep Roots: 6 Characteristics of Exceptional Leaders
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he Eastern Ontario dairy farm on which I grew up had numerous oak trees. I have fond memories of collecting autumn oak leaves colored red and orange-brown or fallen acorns for science projects during my school years. It always amazed me that such a massive plant could grow from a small acorn when planted in the proper soil. Yet, the key to the oak’s imposing stature is what lies beneath the soil out of view–its root system. And the oak’s root system is just as impressive as its visible features. As an example, the California Valley Oak's taproot can reach 60 feet deep, to search for groundwater. Some of its roots extend out more than twice the drip line. The oak tree’s extensive root system anchors it against storm conditions and allows it to absorb water and nutrients from the soil. Its roots are the source from which the visible tree’s greatness springs. Great Leaders Grow Deep Roots. What the roots are to the mighty oak, six particular characteristics are to great leaders. Like roots, they may be invisible to the eye, but they are the true source of an exceptional leader’s actions. If these unseen leadership roots are not sunk deep in the soil of one’s life, the results will reveal themselves in visible leadership that is at best stunted and at worst diseased. Great leaders grow deep roots! Integrity. Ultimately, you’re not a leader if no one is following. In other words, exceptional leadership requires a climate of trust where people give you their wholehearted commitment. And nothing destroys that trust faster than a perception of hypocrisy and duplicity.
Thus the importance of integrity. Integrity means that the inner and the outer aspects of a person’s life form a unified whole. That what you project in public is essentially matched in private. That your stated values actually govern your behaviour. That your word is your bond. Integrity is cultivated and maintained by making repeated decisions to live up to one’s values and commitments. It’s often difficult. Frequently inconvenient. And we certainly do and will make mistakes. But over time, people need to see that we are basically trustworthy. No integrity = no trust. No trust = no followers. Vision. Great leaders are captives. They are captivated by a clear sense of purpose and they rally others around that purpose. Vision involves having a clear picture of a meaningful future that you are committed to and passionate about creating. In the words of Jack Welch, GE’s noted CEO, “The leader’s unending responsibility must be to remove every detour, every barrier to ensure that vision is first clear, and then real.” To do that, leaders must feel the vision deep within. Great leaders have a deeply rooted sense of vision. Exceptional leaders do not so much possess a great vision as they are possessed by a great vision. Concern Great leaders have a deeply rooted concern for those whom they lead. Effective leaders care about the success of others. They care about the well being of those in their charge. They do not use people as simply as a means to an end. They genuinely want others to develop to their full potential. Concern has both a soft and hard side. Sometimes it requires a gentle touch, bringing hope and renewed commitment to discouraged followers. Some times it involves demand-
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ing that others be accountable for their actions so that they are stretched and pushed to be their best. What binds the two sides together is a genuine desire to see others achieve their best while achieving the organization’s goals. People will follow leaders whom they sense genuinely care for their wellbeing – even to the ends of the earth. Ask Ernest Shackleton. After leading an expedition to the Antarctic in which his 27 crew members faced eighteen months of extreme challenges and the constant threat of death, 8 of the crew signed up to do it all again when Shackleton organized another Antarctic expedition a few years later. What motivated them to risk their lives again? Those who kept journals commented on Shackleton’s genuine concern for the lives of his men. They wanted to be around someone who really cared for those he led. Creativity. “I’m not creative.” This lament is one I have heard time and time again from leaders, executives and managers. I don’t believe it! Part of the problem is how we define creativity. Creativity is often thought of in terms of artistic expression in music, writing or the visual arts. These certainly are expressions of creativity, but they are not the only ones. As an aspect of leadership, creativity is often expressed in problem solving. In the movie Apollo 13, there is a scene where a number of engineers are given an assortment of objects and told that these were all the pieces of equipment that were available to the astronauts to fashion a filter that would purify the air of carbon dioxide. The engineers’ task was to create such a filter from items that were never intended for that purpose within a short period of
time so that the astronauts could replicate it. That demands creativity! Our situations may not be quite as life-and-death. But the challenges facing business leaders today—global competition, constant technological change, finding and keeping high performers, mammoth customer expectations, to mention just a few—demand creative leadership responses. Creativity is natural. Current thinking by creativity researchers contends that the question is no longer, “Are you creative?” but rather, “How are you creative?” Our challenge is to discover and honor and develop our natural creative energies. One very useful resource to discover and develop your form of creativity is a book by Marci Segal, Creativity and Personality Type. Results-Orientation. Effective leaders have a results-orientation. Ultimately, leadership is about taking people somewhere and accomplishing something. Results are determined situationally, but ultimately, results are what define whether a leader is successful or not. Being liked, being right, being recognized, or being secure are ultimately unworthy and ineffective ends for a leaders. True leaders are committed to worthwhile results and govern themselves and their people with these results in mind. It is this orientation that
pushes leaders to be creative in solving problems, to subordinate their lesser motives, and to persist in the face of obstacles. When it became obvious to Ernest Shackleton that the original objective for his expedition—to be the first team to cross the Antarctic from sea to sea—was no longer achievable, he replaced it with a more significant goal: the safe return of all 27 crewmen to England. Shackleton’s commitment to this result governed all his decisions from that point on. His attention to group morale, shelter, and physical provision were part of this. The risks of actions were weighed against risks of inaction in getting everyone home. Everything was filtered through the grid of achieving this result. So effective leaders have a results-orientation. But the best leaders understand that in most situations the best way to get results is through people. That’s why the “Concern” characteristic discussed in a previous paragraph is one of the six character roots. People will respond positively to an emphasis on results when it is tied to a concern for them as individuals. If people feel they are merely a means to a leader’s ends, minimal effort, resentment, resistance, and perhaps ultimately sabotage are likely results. Cont'd on page 26.
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TWENTY FIFTEEN
Rural Leader Forty under 40 Top Four Honorees
Top to Bottom:
Alvin Williams | Charlie Cowart | Sasha Toney |Scott Curry What You Do Matters. 24 RuralLeaderMag.com |APRIL 2016
TWENTY SIXTEEN Rural Leader Forty under 40 Call for Nominations Honoring Exemplary Young Leaders in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia
Rural Leader Magazine is searching for 40 exemplary individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their communities. So often leaders in smaller communities are not recognized. Rural Leader 40 under 40 was developed with the purpose to recognize exclusively leaders who live and work in small communities. Many are dedicated to making things happen in their churches, businesses, organizations, and communities. They are unsung heroes who contribute much to the vitality and sustainability of their communities. Rural Leader 40 under 40 is an effort to demonstrate the value of those contributions. And so, Rural Leader Magazine needs your help to identify these deserving young leaders in Georgia, Florida, and Alabama. The call for nominations opens March 1, 2016. The deadline is April 30, 2016 for all applications. Here’s what we’re looking for: 1. Nominee must be at least 20 and under 40 as of September 1, 2016 AND reside or work in a small rural community with a population of 15,000 or less in AL, FL, or GA. 2. Applications must be completed online or via Email by April 30, 2016. nated by someone else. 4. The selected 40 will be featured in the September 2016 edition of Rural Leader Magazine. The top four nominees will be featured on the magazine cover. The selected Rural Leader 40 under 40 nominees will be honored with a luncheon. The winner will be announced during the luncheon
honors. 5. Selected nominees must attend luncheon honors that will be held Friday, September 2, 2016 at 11:30 AM at Albany Technical College, 1704 South Slappey Boulevard in Albany, Georgia. 6. Applications will be reviewed by a panel of judges selected by Rural Leader Magazine. Selected nominees will be notified via email. All decisions final. 7. To apply, visit RuralLeaderMag.com. Or Send the information below via email by the above deadline to editor@ruralleadermagazine.com 8. Information to include: Nominee’s Name, Age, Employer, Title/Position Mailing Address, (County), State, Zip Code Phone (Include Area Code), and Email Address 8A. Send a quality headshot photo of at least 300 dpi of the nominee under separate cover to editor@ruralleadermagazine.com 9. Answer the following questions about your Nominee: 1. What distinguishes your nominee? 2. Tell us about their contributions and involvement in community. 3. Describe your nominee’s professional achievements and activities. 10 Also include: Nominee/Nominator may also attach resume (3 page limit, please). Name of Nominator if different from nominee; How do you know the nominee? Phone and Email (of the nominator).—
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Deep Roots, Continued from page 23 Courage. Leaders are often called upon to take courageous actions. Confronting poor performance, deciding who to lay off, announcing unpopular decisions, implementing change that will cause significant distress for people, staying optimistic in the face of problems, and advocating on behalf of your followers to those above you in the chain-of-command are a few of the myriad ways in which great leaders demonstrate courage. Examples of courageous leadership are the stuff of legends and movies. One of my favorites is the portrayal of William Wallace by Mel Gibson in the film, Braveheart. Wallace’s stirring words to his fearful followers, quaking in the presence of the English army, “They may take away our lives, but they’ll never take away our freedom,” were coupled with a willingness to lead his men into battle. His courage inspired and fortified the resolve of his countrymen ultimately leading to a routing of the English forces. Our acts of courage may not be so grandiose or visible but they are still fundamental to being an effective leader. The six characteristics we have explored— integrity, vision, concern, creativity, results orientation, and courage—are to leadership what the roots are to the oak tree. Roots are a system. They form an integrated whole that together supply the nutrients which the tree needs to survive and prosper. In the same way, all six characteristics must be present and healthy for maximum leadership effectiveness. To the degree that any one of these is absent or poorly developed your leadership will be stunted or ineffective. Six Characteristic of Exceptional Leaders. So, the final step is to do some self-analysis and lay out a plan of personal development. When you have identified your strengths and areas of development you need to find ways to maximize your strengths and work on your weaknesses. One of the best ways to do the latter is to find a mentor who is strong in the areas of your weaknesses and have that person give you some coaching.
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Cultivating the Soil. Having surveyed the root system, let me discuss briefly the type of soil in which the oak tree of leadership greatness grows best. You will see from the diagram above that there are two primary nutrients necessary for optimal soil conditions. The first of these is self-awareness. Daniel Goleman, author of Working With Emotional Intelligence, says of self-awareness: "Self-awareness serves as an inner barometer, gauging whether what we are doing is, indeed, worthwhile….Choices made in keeping with this inner rudder…are energizing. They not only feel right but also maximize the attention and energy available for pursuing them. Being deeply aware of your core psychological needs, values, talents, character strengths and weaknesses, as well as your preferred styles of interacting, learning and decision-making is critical for personal and interpersonal effectiveness." Great leaders, like healthy trees, are both deeply rooted and highly flexible. In fact, it is the very strength of the root system that determines how flexible and adaptable the visible tree is in stressful or stormy conditions. Leadership roots grow best in soil rich in self-awareness. Personally, I have found personality type to be the most powerful and practical lens for developing deep self-awareness. In coming to understand my innate temperament pattern, interaction style and preferred cognitive processes (three key aspects of someone’s personality type), I have discovered powerful truths that have guided my personal development and interpersonal effectiveness. As an introduction to these three aspects of your personality type, I can recommend nothing better than three books by Dr. Linda V. Berens: Understanding Yourself and Others, An Introduction to Temperament; Understanding Yourself and Others, An Introduction to Interaction Styles; and The 16 Personality Types. Self-Leadership. The second key nutrient for leadership sustaining soil is self-leadership. Self-leadership builds on
Deep Roots, Continued from page 26 self-awareness. It takes the knowledge of one’s self and transforms it into wisdom for action. Self-leadership is all about making choices to shape one’s own destiny. It involves a proactive, rather than reactive stance towards one’s own development and maturity. It involves assuming, at a very deep level, full responsibility for one’s life and future. One of the sayings that I have posted above my office desk are the words of Stephen R. Covey, “The best way to predict your future is to create it.”ii That is a self-leadership perspective. Developing the six character roots of an effective leader is neither accidental nor easy. But a great leader accepts the responsibility to grow them and resolutely pursues their development. Conclusion.
Technology continues to evolve at breakneck speed. Global trade continues to expand. Social, political and environmental problems threaten stability and safety. Great leaders are needed now more than ever in business, government, and our communities. Will you accept the challenge to grow these six roots? Will you do whatever it takes to cause your oak tree of leadership to flourish, offering its shelter and strength to those around you. — About the Author Scott Campbell is an author, speaker, & consultant. Campbell helps executives and managers maximize their leadership effectiveness. He is the founder of Personalities At Work, a leadership development consortium. Contact Scott at 1-416-994-2684 or online at Personalities-at-Work.com.
Nurses Address Global Health care Concerns through Virtual Learning People are more connected now than ever before thanks to the globalization of technology, international travel, commerce and industry. But this interconnectedness also means that health concerns, which were once limited to a community, can have a global impact. The Zika virus, the outbreak recently declared a global emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO), is the latest example of a foreign health issue that quickly raised concern within our borders. Nurses are using the technology that connects us to prepare for this new reality. Through virtual simulation education, they are learning to care for diverse populations and practicing global health scenarios including epidemics, rare illnesses and other infectious diseases. “Globalization has changed our approach to health care. Viral diseases can spread rapidly, so we have to be ready,” says Dee McGonigle, professor in Chamberlain College of Nursing’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree program. “Virtual
learning environments provide valuable, interactive education on best practices for patient safety and disease containment in a real-time scenario that mimics real life.” Dr. McGonigle heads up the college’s 3-D Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). During the Ebola outbreak in 2014, she and several colleagues built the Virtual Ebola Treatment Center (VETC) in Second Life, a virtual world created by its global community of users. In Second Life, users - known as residents - are represented by avatars that can walk, run, sit, stand, fly and interact with other residents. Chamberlain students learned how to admit and care for Ebola patients by practicing scenarios in the VETC within Second Life. Faculty from the MSN Informatics specialty track facilitated and mentored students through the risk-free virtual learning experience. Like the Zika virus, the Ebola crisis was a wake-up call that proved how quickly disease can spread and Continued on page 39 GetRuralLeaderMag.com | APRIL 2016 27
World Water Day Brings Awareness to the Global Water Crisis
Image provided by charity: water
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ore than 663 million people around the world, nearly twice the population of the United States, lack access to clean and safe drinking water. The majority of those affected live in isolated, rural areas in developing countries. Women and children are especially burdened with the task of walking hours each day to fetch water, which is often contaminated. March 22 marks World Water Day, aimed at increasing awareness of this worldwide issue and inspiring action. Why is access to clean water so important? According to charity: water, a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing nations, having access to clean water changes everything, including: Time * In Africa alone, people spend 40 billion hours each year walking to get water. Women and young girls especially bear the brunt of this work, often spending up to 3 hours each day hauling 40-pound Jerry Cans filled with water. Access to a clean water source allows people more time to earn an income, provide for their families, or go to school. Access to Education * Time spent collecting water is time spent out of school. Having access to clean water allows children, girls especially, to attend school on a regular basis. Health
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* Diseases from dirty water kill more people every year than all forms of violence, including war. Forty-three percent of those deaths are children under the age of 5. Access to clean water can save 16,000 lives per week. Women Empowerment * In Sub-Saharan Africa, women are responsible for 72 percent of the water collection, which hinders them in all other aspects of life. Having access to water gives these women the chance to take charge of their futures. The Global Water Crisis may seem daunting to overcome, but there are ways we can help. This World Water Day, Emergen-C(R) and charity: water are launching an ongoing partnership to bring clean and safe drinking water to communities throughout Ethiopia. “Emergen-C recognizes the power of clean water,” said Jennifer Holahan, marketing director, U.S. Specialty Supplements. “Our product relies on and transforms it, but we want to transform much more than water. We want to help drive change and transform lives. Having access to clean water means improved health, enhanced education opportunities and women empowerment in afflicted countries.” “We believe clean drinking water is one of the most powerful and effective ways to lift people out of Continued on page 37
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By Wally Adamchik
Organizational Leadership: Three Principles for Higher Leadership Effectiveness
As a Marine Aviator, business owner, and consultant, I have dedicated many years to honing my leadership and development skills – both organizational and personal. In my experiences I discovered three simple principles that, when properly applied, will make your leadership journey incredibly rewarding. • Number One – it is all about you • Number Two – it is all about them • Number Three – it is all about the organization I confirmed these proven principles in interviews with over one-hundred successful leaders. Here is an overview for you. Organizational Leadership Principle Number One – It is all about you. You must make the conscious choice to accept the leadership role. It is not enough to occupy a position of leadership (as defined by a box on the organization chart with your name on it). In fact, many people have made the choice to lead, exercising vast influence, without being in a so-called "leadership" position. In making the choice to lead, you take responsibility for yourself first, which means you must commit to working on your own personal and professional development. If you cannot, or will not, lead and develop yourself, you cannot lead and develop others. You must recognize that you will take some hits in your visible leadership role but you must also not shy away from them. You must realize that your decisions may not always be popular, but understand this comes with the territory. You will discover the rewards of leading are well worth it. The three essential elements of this first principle that you must master are: • Integrity – Do you deliver on your commitments?
• Technical competence – Do you understand the tasks? • Setting the example – Are you a proper role model? Once you accept the first principle and embrace these three elements you are ready to move on to the next principle. Principle Number Two – It is all about them. In this case, them refers to those we lead. Your purpose as a leader is to engage and motivate your employees to bring 100% of themselves to work, every day. As their leader, it is your responsibility to create the right environment for them to motivate themselves and to exceed your expectations. Your focus should be on helping people perform more effectively and efficiently. This helps them become more productive and advance in their careers. It also shows them that you care about them. The three essential elements of this principle are: • Self-awareness – Do you know what you do well? • Taking care of people - Do you look out for them? • Developing new leaders – Do you help people advance? Applied properly, this principle will help you in the long run as your employees become more efficient, more productive, and more effective. They will require less supervision--which brings us to principle number three. Principle Number Three – It is about the organization. There are unethical and misguided bosses who think the organization exists to support them. This arrogance ultimately brings failure. We come together in associations or businesses to accomplish something that we could not accomplish alone. Your employees give you their time and you compensate them with standard benefits. As a leader within your organization, you must recognize that you are
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part of the organization, but not the organization itself. Investing your ego and ambition in your job is fine--to a point. In the extreme, this creates an overbearing autocrat. The truly effective leader knows he or she is an active member within the team and always works to better the team. Real leaders have a forward looking orientation and work to build the culture of their group. It is the insecure leader who wants their successor to fail. Any leader who fails to support an employee--for any reason-hurts the organization, therefore violating Principle Number Three. The essential three elements of this law are: • Commander’s intent – Where are we going and why? • Culture and Values - What makes this place tick? • Practice – Do we work to get better at what we do? Clearly, there are many layers to each of these laws. But the first step to higher leadership effectiveness is to make the choice to be a leader. Then, focus on your people and help them succeed. Together, you can successfully advance your organization into the future you articulate. Once you embrace these three laws, you are on your way to becoming a truly successful leader and you will create a thriving organization as you navigate your way through the tumultuous sea to the land of new opportunities – new opportunities not seen by many.— About the Author Wally Adamchik, is the author of No Yelling: the 9 Secrets of Marine Corps Leadership You Must Know in Business and the founder of Firestarter Speaking and Consulting. He helps organizations apply the leadership philosophies he learned in the Marine Corps. For Info, visit NoYelling.net.
Full-length portrait of George Washington by Charles Willson Peale about 1780. All Rights Reserved.
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A Lasting Leadership Lesson: How one leadership Talk By George Washington Saved the Revolution (And our Fledging Nation from Catastrophe)
By Brent Filson Leadership lessons come in many guises. One drew out a spectacle case from his pocket. Few offiunforgettable lesson comes from George Washington cers had ever seen him put on spectacles. and his contribution to the most important victory of Usually a severely formal man, he said in a voice the Revolutionary War. That victory occurred neither softened with apology: "Gentlemen, you will perat Saratoga or Yorktown but in a log hut in 1783 with mit me to put on my spectacles, for I have not only a few heartfelt words that literally changed the world. grown gray but almost blind in the service of my And it's not just a history lesson, it's a leadership country. The deep, human, emotional power of that lesson -- for all leaders. To realize what took place moment can hardly be described. It electrified the in that hut and its historical importance, we must officers. understand what a Leadership Talk is and what was Here was their commander who had never taken at stake at that moment in 1783 for America? a furlough during his eight years of command, who As to the Leadership Talk: There's a big difference had faced storms of musketry fire, who through his between speeches/presentations on one hand and daring and intelligence had kept the Army in tact in Leadership Talks on the other. Whereas a speech or what most of the world thought was a lost cause, here a presentation communicates information, Leaderwas George Washington modestly asking his officers ship Talks do something more: It establishes a deep, to bear with him in an all-too-human failing. It was human, emotional connection with the audience. The an astonishing turning point. Leadership Talk is a much more effective means of As Maj. Samuel Shaw, who was present, wrote in leadership communication. his journal, "There was something so natural, so un If Washington hadn't given a Leadership Talk in affected in this appeal as rendered it superior to the the log hut with this assembled officers, who were on most studied oratory. It forced its way to the heart, the verge of revolt, the Revolution would have endand you might see sensibility moisten every eye." Afed right then and there; and the history of America ter Washington left the hut, the officers unanimously would have been far different. As to what was at stake voted to "continue to have unshaken confidence in at that moment in history: This occurred a year and a the justice of the Congress and their country ...." half after the battle of Yorktown. Popular misconcep- The result was that the Continental Army disbandtion has the Revolutionary War ending at that battle. ed without incident after the War formally ended However, in reality, the War continued to drag on; a few months later and thereby set in motion the and as it did, the Continental Army became increas- peaceful events that led to the creation of the Constiingly rebellious. Most of the troops hadn't been paid tution. in at least two years. Their promised pensions were Without Washington's intervention, America may not forthcoming. Popular sentiment in the army was very well have become a kind of banana republic, at gathering to overthrow the Continental Congress the mercy of thousands of armed and angry soldiers and install a military government. and their officers. And it wasn't his speech that did On the ides of March in 1783, dozens of officers, it, it was a Leadership Talk. Washington's Talk is a representing every company in the army, met in a log lesson for all leaders: The best way to communicate hut to vote on taking this action when George Wash- an idea is to bundle it in a human being. If you can't ington suddenly and unexpectedly walked in. He feel it, you can't lead it, and they won't do it.— gave a speech denouncing the rebellious course they About the Author were on. But it wasn't the speech that carried the day; Brent Filson is the author of 23 books, including it was the Leadership Talk at the end of the speech. The Leadership Talk: The Greatest Leadership Tool Witnesses report that Washington's speech left and 101 Ways to Give Great Leadership Talks. He many officers unconvinced, and when he was finis founder and president of the Filson Leaderhip ished, there was much angry muttering among them. Group, Inc. Filson has more than 20 years experience To bolster his case, the general pulled out a letter he helps leaders of top companies worldwide achieve. recently received from a member of the Continental This 2005 © The Filson Leadership Group, Inc. All Congress. As he began reading, his usual confident rights reserved. air gave way to hesitancy. Then, unexpectedly, he
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T W E N T Y S I X T E E N National Call for Nominations   We value the efforts and contributions of youth in small rural communities nationally and abroad. Therefore, Rural Leader Magazine will feature 20 deserving individuals under the age 20 in its June 2016 edition. The 20 under 20 honor was first bi-monthly beginning with our March 2014 issue. The response was overwhelmingly positive response, so we decided to dedicate an entire edition to the Under 20 Honor. The call for nominations is open March 30th through May 1, 2016. Below is a list of criteria. 1. Nominee must be under the age of 20. 2. Nominations open to residents in United States and abroad. 3. Nominee must have demonstrated exemplary scholastic achievement, leadership, and community service.
4. Nomination application must be completed online prior to the above deadline at RuralLeaderMag.com. 5. A completed and signed Parent Release form, for nominees under the age of 18, and a quality head shot photo (at least 300 dpi in JPEG format) must be submitted under separate cover to 20under20@ruralleadermagazine.com no later than May 1, 2016. Nomination application cannot be processed without the applicable release form and head shot photo. 6. The nominator will be notified via email if his or her nominee(s) was chosen. 7. For a parent release form and additional information, write to 20under20@ruralleadermagazine.com or call 1-866-293-1162.— GetRuralLeaderMag.com | APRIL 2016 33
Leadership Examples that Provide Insight Into Developing Personal Leadership Skills By Soren Lauritzen
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y modeling admirable leadership examples, you can improve your own skills and become a leader that others will look up to and respect. Great leaders exist in every level and segment of society, from corporate executives to school teachers, charity organizers, parents, and coaches. But, whether you are running a country or overseeing a classroom, the same leadership principles apply and you can achieve success by watching, learning, and following in the footsteps of other great leaders. From historical figures to present day examples, great leaders have been recognized for their outstanding achievements and the impact they have had on the world or people around them. And, although
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many of these individuals differ in both their leadership style and approach, they have all experienced success, proving that every personality has a hidden leader that can be shaped and formed to become effective in their sphere of influence. Not everyone is a natural born leader, but by finding the style that suits you and learning from those with similar approaches, you can develop your skills and become a better leader at whatever level you may work. By studying leadership examples, you can identify those techniques and approaches that fit your personality and can be applied to your life and personal situations. Ghandi. Known as one of the most powerful and influential political leaders who ever lived, Ghandi
brought great change through peaceful measures and an adherence to non-violent philosophies. In fact, his leadership skills were so effective, that they have been the inspiration and foundation for other civil rights movements world-wide, showing that the impact of a great leader continues on to future generations. Ghandi's leadership was driven by passion and love. Not only was he passionate about his cause, but he lived what he believed. His honesty and humility motivated people and they were drawn to him because he understood that passion and love are important to successful leadership. By studying Ghandi's life, you can learn that a good leader must love people, must love to lead, and must lead with love. Rockefeller. Recognized as one of the richest men in history, Rockefeller is remembered not only for his financial achievements but also for the fact that he used his wealth and leadership abilities to change the world and make life better for others. He founded universities, supported many causes, invested in valuable research, and effectively established a framework for other leaders to function and develop. Rockefeller touched many lives and was an influential leader because he showed that he cared. People were willing to join him in his causes because he proved that he really wanted to make a difference and truly cared about making the world a better place By looking at Rockefeller's life, you can learn that one of the most valuable leadership qualities is to truly care for others and have an authentic desire to make a difference, not only for your own gain, but for the betterment of those whose lives you touch. Jeff Bezos. As the founder of
Amazon.com, Jeff Bezos learned the importance of being goal-oriented and its value as a good leadership quality. He had a vision and worked toward it despite criticism and failures. He never gave up and was willing to try new things when the old things weren't working. He accepted his failures, and the failures of those working with him, as lessons learned and moved on to the next strategy. Because of this determination to persevere and reach goals, people were willing to follow him and believe that he would keep working until he eventually achieved success. From Jeff Bezo's example, you can see how being goal-oriented and focused instills confidence in people, and encourages them to believe in you and what you are working to achieve. Bezo's story also shows that optimistic determination is an invaluable quality in a leader because it stimulates loyalty and adds credibility to your cause, making people willing to follow your leadership. 4. Martin Luther King Jr. As one of the most famous civil rights leaders, Martin Luther King Jr. stood up for his beliefs and had the ability to inspire action in others. His “I Have a Dream” speech is still used today by everyone from school teachers, to politicians, charity workers, and motivational speakers. One of his most effective tools was his excellence as a communicator and his ability to express his visions in a way that moved others to join his cause. If you are wanting to develop your personal leadership skills, the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr. can act as a great example. His success as a leader shows the importance of improving communication skills and learning how to express yourself in a way that can turn your passion into a
motivation that will inspire others to join you and help achieve the dream. Bill Gates. As the founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates is recognized as the world's youngest billionaire and one of today's greatest businessmen. His leadership abilities are based on his authority and expertise, and his knowledge and credibility has helped him prove himself as one of the most influential leaders in the business world. Gates commands respect by the very fact that his expertise has translated into undeniable success. By looking at Gate's example, you can understand the importance that authority and expert knowledge plays in the development of leadership skills. By operating with intelligence and common sense, you not only inspire and motivate people, but you can back up your vision with practical facts and a workable plan. Basically, people are more likely to trust you if they believe that you know what you are talking about and have the knowledge to achieve success. Although there are different leadership styles and approaches, every good leader understands that they must possess some quality that establishes credibility, inspires confidence, and motivates action. Great leaders not only bring out the best in others, but also provoke people to do what they can to make a difference in the world around them, no matter how large or small that world may be. — About the Author Soren Lauritzen is an author and personal development coach. He employs humor and positive motivation to empower others. For more info, visit, ThePersonalDevelopmentGuy.com.
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Five Tips for Mastering Your First Phone Interview
The path to professional success often begins with a phone interview. Ninety-two percent of HR managers rely on phone interviews to narrow down the pool of job applicants, and 88 percent say that a first impression on a phone interview is a key indicator of whether or not a candidate is right for the job, according to research from TracFone. For those looking to secure their first professional job, rejoin the workforce or climb the professional ladder, the importance of phone etiquette cannot be understated. To master the phone interview, follow these five tips: * Speak clearly. Speaking in a clear, confident voice eliminates potential for miscommunication and provides a positive tone to the call. Be sure to sound upbeat and enthusiastic during the interview - you can even smile to help with this and use your voice to convey your excitement about the position. * Stay connected with the right device. All of the interview preparation in the world won’t save you if your phone fails, so make sure you’re available with a secure line when the call comes through. Consider TracFone, which offers affordable, quality smartphones such as the Alcatel 460 - the perfect tool for accessing TracFone’s nationwide coverage on America’s largest and most dependable 4G LTE networks. Plus, with no activation or cancelation fees and unlimited carryover to keep any unused minutes, text
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and data, you can change your no-contract plan as often as your needs change without penalties, perfect for the on-the-go professional. * Keep your resume on hand. Often, hiring managers will reference your resume during the phone interview process. Having a copy handy will help you answer those questions with confidence and ease. You can even make a list of “talking points” that provide more detail about your background to reference during the call. * Ask questions. The interview is meant to be a conversation and two-way process, so it’s important to have a few questions of your own about the company and position for which you’re applying. This will show the interviewer that you don’t just want any job, but a long-term career at that company. It’s also a good opportunity to determine if the job and the company really are the right fit for you. * Send a follow-up thank you note. The phone interview doesn’t end when you hang up. One of the most important steps to career success is the follow-up. Carefully record who you spoke with and send them a thank you note for taking the time to speak with you. If you have their email address already, use that, or research their contact information on sites like LinkedIn. Reiterate your interest in the position and emphasize why you are a perfect fit. It’s an important, lasting impression that may help you secure the job and, ultimately, career success.—BPT
Three Tips to Land A Job After College, Cont'd from page 20 EcoCAR 3 program director at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory. “We give students the opportunity gain access to millions of dollars of cutting-edge technology and top industry experts to solve complex engineering and marketing challenges. For this reason, almost 100 percent of our participants land a job immediately after graduation.” 3. Position yourself close to the action. While a beautiful campus is nice to look at, that alone isn’t enough to justify years of time and money. It helps to be close to an industry hot-spot where internship and volunteer opportunities are plentiful and easy to access. Studying near industry hubs will help students gain access to mentors, networking events and international conferences, furthering their competitive advantage and adding value to their degree. Tech-savvy students who dream of launching the next big start-up should position themselves near the action in Silicon Valley, Boston or Austin. For those looking to create the next head-turning design it is best to study fashion and design in New York City or Los Angeles. Physical proximity to an industry, participation in extracurricular activities and third-party recommendations can help make a student’s dream career a reality. Parents and high schoolers should keep these tips in mind throughout the college application process to make the most of college and hopefully land that first job.—BPT
Water Crisis, Cont'd from page 28 extreme poverty; especially impacting women and children who often spend hours each day walking to collect unsafe water for their families,” said Scott Harrison, founder and CEO of charity: water. “We’re excited that Emergen-C is joining our mission by bringing clean and safe drinking water to thousands of people in need and spreading awareness of the incredible impact clean water makes within those communities.” On World Water Day, Emergen-C and charity: water are kicking off the #40Pounds Challenge to raise awareness and demonstrate the weight that women and girls carry in water on a daily basis. To participate, individuals are invited to upload a picture holding 40 pounds of anything found around the house, to Instagram or Twitter with #40Pounds and tag @emergenc. The organizations are inviting you to extend the challenge to friends or family members by tagging them as well. For every photo uploaded, Emergen-C will donate to charity: water as part of the overall effort to “lift the burden” and bring clean, safe drinking water to communities in Ethiopia. “Fuller House” actress and mother of two daughters, Lori Loughlin, is serving as the voice of the campaign. For more information on the partnership between charity: water and Emergen-C, the official rules for the challenge, and other ways to get involved, visit www.emergenctransforms.com.—BPT
Georgia State African American Chamber of Commerce Receives House Resolution Via Georgia General Assembly The GSAACC, Inc. A non-profit organization founded by and Patricia and Thomas Swain in 2014, was honored by the Georgia House of Representatives with a House Resolution. HR #1331 was sponsored by Representative Gerald Greene, District #151 and Darrel Ealum, District #153. "I am glad to be working with community organizations to serve the needs of its citizens. I am also Proud to have been the sponsor of a resolution for our area to provide more services to the region," state Representative Gerald Greene. For more information about Georgia State African American Chamber of Commerce, visit GSAACC. org.—
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Butler New Media Teams Up With GSAACC, Inc. to Develop New Website
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ornelius Butler and ButlerNewMedia.com are now engaged in the redevelopment of GSAACC, Inc's corporate web portal. The new website will replace the launch version and will feature a greater functionality for the Chamber's members. The new site is expected to launch late this month or early May. The company is very excited about the development as it adds greatly to it's corporate imagine and marketability. Mr. Butler will also serve as a board member and liaison to virtual industries in the State of Georgia, nationally and internationally. "Butler New Media is excited to be the team selected to redesign the chamber's website. We are committed to supporting the growth and expansion of successful minority owned businesses nationwide. We have some exciting features planned for the new site that will allow the chamber to provide superior service to its members." Butler said. Mr Butler, has been honored with the John A. Conant Leadership award! As part of the celebration, the Georgia Independent Living Network presented the 2005 John A. Conant Leadership Award to Cornelius Butler of Bainbridge, Georgia. The award honors the memory of John Ackerman Conant (1924 – 2005), a successful business person who understood what it was like to face challenges and barriers because of his own disability, a result of polio. For more than 20 years, Mr. Conant was the guiding light of the John H. and Wilhelmina D. Harland Charitable Foundation which has given generously to the disability community by providing grant funds to non-profit organizations dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people with disabilities.
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Cornelius Butler, owner of Butler New Media. Courtesy Photo
The annual $1,000 award recognizes a young person with a disability for his or her outstanding leadership on disability issues. Butler, who is legally blind, has been involved in advocacy around disability issues since his teens. A former participant in Georgia’s High School/High Tech Program and Georgia’s Youth Leadership Forum, he recently graduated with honors from Bainbridge College where he served on the Student Technology Committee and was influential in bringing about the campus’ purchase of its first Closed Circuit TV (CCTV), scan to read software, and other supportive technologies. In 2001-2002, Mr. Butler served on the Presidential Task Force on the Employment of Adults with Disabilities Youth Advisory Committee, a group of 14 young people whose mission was to make recommendations to the U.S. Secretary of Labor and President Bush on ways to increase the employment rate of youth with disabilities nationwide. In 2003, he was selected by U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao to be keynote speaker for the official launch of Disabilityinfo.gov, an online portal for people with disabilities. Visit ButlerNewMedia.com to learn more. —
Nurses continued from page 27 how important it is to be prepared. Seemingly overnight, health care professionals and students nationwide were tasked with developing expertise on a disease that was previously of little concern to U.S. citizens. “Nurses around the world were looking for answers,” says Dr. McGonigle. “We knew we had the opportunity to build a critical training tool to prepare our students to treat Ebola patients.” Chamberlain alumna Kellany Cadogan-Noland, now a clinical learning lab specialist at Chamberlain, utilized Second Life for her MSN Informatics Specialty Track nursing project. Second Life nursing projects are designed to help those who cannot complete them in a real-world situation because of geographic or other limitations. Cadogan-Noland used the VETC to test potential responses to an Ebola outbreak in the United States. She collaborated with mentors around the country to determine which infrastructures and clinical processes - such as clinical dressing locations for hospital staff - were most effective at disease containment. Within weeks of completing her project, the West African outbreak had spread to the United States. Cadogan-Noland and her team adjusted their VETC
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strategy to implement and test containment plans as they were announced by the WHO. “I benefitted more from Second Life than I would have through an onsite project because we could adapt the virtual environment to our learning needs so quickly,” Cadogan-Noland says. “I was able to quickly test scenarios through simulations. We couldn’t have accomplished this within such a short timeframe in a brick and mortar facility.” Chamberlain faculty and students can easily adapt their model of virtual simulation education to address other emerging global health issues like the Zika virus, giving nurses like Cadogan-Noland an extraordinary window to the rest of the world. Dr. McGonigle and other Chamberlain leaders behind the VETC are planning more interprofessional collaboration in the future to explore new innovative applications of the virtual learning experience for their students. “The quality of virtual learning is continually evolving with enhanced technology and feedback from putting simulation methods into practice,” says Dr. McGonigle. “We have so much more to discover with virtual learning. We are just getting started as we use it this to educate nurses who will go on to transform health care worldwide.”—BPT
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