Multiplicity of the Same Thing

Are AT boards at the state, regional, and state level too exclusive to truly advance the profession? Possibly creating anti-inclusivity? Is groupthink plaguing the AT profession at the leadership levels?

There are more ATs that are eligible to run for the President of the United States compared to the NATA secretary seat.

To qualify for AT leadership, you have to volunteer. Is this biasing the development of our leadership capacities for the AT profession by creating a pre-determined viewpoint or groupthink? If everyone has to go through the same steps and timely initiation, how are we disrupting the status quo that is obviously not working for a majority of the profession?

With these stringent qualifications it is not providing enough cognitive diversity in the advancement of our profession. If there is a pre-determined viewpoint that needs to be understood and an indoctrinate of procedures to qualify for a leadership position, is capping our leadership potential? The eligibility requirements do not allow for a variety of voices or accept those that are actively excelling as leaders in the profession from becoming involved.

The AT profession has grown very quickly with a range of needs and desires. With the "inclusivity" and "diversity" that NATA has stated in its strategic plan it is ultimately unobtainable with the eligibility criteria that is still being practiced. Those that have the qualifications to enact and influence these changes aren't able to become involved. As of now the eligibility criteria is structured so that the different levels of AT organizations are unable to incorporate cognitive diversity, which would result in quicker and long-lasting changes for the betterment of the profession.

Diversity should bring disagreement; are we resistant to true diversity because it will make decision making harder?

Reform the eligibility requirements for athletic training board positions at all levels!

Kutz & Konin Leadercast. Ep. 13 Pitfalls of Organizational Leadership

Shelby 6/2024