The Hero's Journey

The "hero's journey" takes an ordinary person and challenges them through various extraordinary events. This humble person grows confidence in the story as he/she conquers the obstacles presented in the path.  

As observers of the story, we root for them.  We see ourselves in that role. That hero could be us. 

If we're lucky, at some point, we realize we are on our own hero's journey. Every day, we are presented with challenges/opportunities where we can make the world a better place, live in our purpose, etc.  

The American Dental Association has been presented with an unexpected challenge this week when Ray Cohlmia, our executive director, resigned.  

As president, it puts me in a unique situation.  

What tools will I use to help lead our organization through this challenge? 

My favorite movie depicting the hero's journey is Star Wars.  

There's no light-saber or millenium falcon to help me fight the evil empire.  But there is plenty of experience and wisdom available to help me negotiate the challenges ahead. 

The "Yoda's" (or guides) are there to remind me of who I am and what I am capable of as a leader.  

Speaking of Yoda - "Do or do not. There is no try."  This is a time for definitive action by leadership - and we are up for the challenges ahead. 

When describing the Millennium Falcon, Han Solo says, "She may not look like much, but she’s got it where it counts, kid. I’ve made a lot of special modifications myself.”

When I reflect back on my journey, I've made several "special modifications" myself, too. 

I've been collecting and cataloging my experiences throughout my life.  Every experience, both good and bad, had a lesson that I reflected on.  As a result, my toolbox has many tools to help me be the best leader I can be.  

These lessons have given me a multitude of leadership competencies. I have a strong resiliency. I have a clarity of purpose- both personal and my role leading the organization.  And trust me, I have used many of these recently.  

I also know when I need to recharge and reflect.  

I am proud of the work we are doing. I am proud to have served with Ray Cohlmia and have nothing but the utmost love and respect for him. I wish him well in his next chapter. And he wishes the same for us. 

The American Dental Association is bigger than one person. We have a history spanning 165 years. We have strong officers, a strong board, strong volunteer leaders across the tripartite, a strong interim executive director, a strong senior team and a most importantly- a clear vision.  

This chapter of the hero's journey now returns us to a blank page.  It's time to write the next chapter!  

#theadventurecontinues  #anythingispossible #sober #ADAPresident #ADAchangemakers #thinkdifferent #OralHealthIsHealth #PrioritizeWellness #theygolowIgohigh American Dental Association