Society Elections
Suzanna Laurent for Second Vice President
Laurent Shares Her Vision for STC
By Suzanna Laurent
While visiting Detroit's Henry Ford Museum, I learned about Ford and the automobile that he made so successful. Many people have the mistaken idea that Henry Ford was an inventor, but Ford did not invent the automobile. He didn't even "invent" the assembly line.
So what did Henry Ford do? He learned from other people's experiences as well as his own. He took risks. He saw failure as a lesson, and he applied everything that he learned to improve the product, the process, and the policies that shaped the American automobile industry. In short, he was a great innovator. And because he was so willing to share the lessons that he learned, he became an inspiration to many others.
I am running for second vice president because in my own way, I want to do as Henry Ford did. He wanted to "learn from other people's experiences as well as his own." I want to use the lessons that I have learned in 25 years of management and leadership positions to create solutions that will ensure that STC becomes an organization that is vital to the diverse careers of technical communicators.
One innovative thing that I did as a director-sponsor (1999-2002) was to attend conferences and give chapter programs in every region to meet our members and listen to their ideas. As a result, I have presented 103 conference sessions, leadership workshops, and chapter programs in locations from Toronto to Hawaii. In addition, I have written 30 articles that have been published over 500 times in STC newsletters. This "listening tour" instilled a greater understanding of the unique challenges facing us, some of which are addressed in my articles.
While serving as director-sponsor, I gained a thorough understanding of the issues and concerns about STC at many levels. Working individually with leaders and other members is an invaluable experience that is crucial to being the most effective leader in the "presidential chain of offices."
Ford also "took risks." Failing to be innovative and leaving things at the "status quo" is a risky business for STC and technical communicators. We must make it part of our role as technical communicators to show the value that we add. We must continue to learn more, do more, and be more. It is important that STC become the "premier" organization for technical communicators. One way that we can do that is by listening to what our members want, because the organization that best meets the needs of its members is the one that retains its members and attracts new ones.
Ford "saw failure as a lesson, and applied everything he learned to improve . . . ." During the process of defining STC's brand, we discovered where we were making our mistakes and that we were not being perceived as we wanted to be, so we've made changes to correct some of those misconceptions. As we seek new ways to prosper, we must improve our processes and the quality of our member services.
STC members work in more diversified environments than ever before—with experience, skills, and talents that vary widely. Nevertheless, we share the desire to be recognized for our contributions to the workplace. By more proactively promoting technical communication, I believe that STC can make a difference in the careers of our members.
There are other important strategies to consider as we seek to progress. To
learn more about my experience and what I have contributed pertaining to these
strategies, read the expanded version of this article at http://pages.prodigy.net/slaurent
or contact me at slaurent@prodigy.net.
With experienced leadership and guidance, STC can become the catalyst that enables technical communicators to achieve the professional status that they have earned. When that is accomplished, we will have fulfilled my vision for STC to become an organization to which technical communicators feel membership is essential to their careers.
I would sincerely appreciate your vote for me as the next second vice president, because I firmly believe that when a collection of minds, hearts, and talents work together, great things can happen!
Suzanna Laurent is an Associate Fellow with the Oklahoma Chapter of STC.
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