LDF Background

Introduction and Objectives

Are good leaders born? Are good leaders made through experience and training? Most of us prepare ourselves for careers by building our technical knowledge and skills, but often don’t consider the need for interpersonal skills, including leadership. Consequently, we encounter a steep learning curve when thrust into a leadership position. Although leadership skills can be learned on the job through trial and error, weaknesses are often ignored because of lack of opportunity to address them. True professionals need to face their weaknesses in order to succeed for themselves and their organizations. Good leaders build an environment that brings out the best in each of their team members.

Starting in Fall 2012, the St Louis section of the ACS is offering an innovative Leadership Development Forum (LDF) to help members develop their leadership skills. The LDF will include seminars, discussions and workshops addressing leadership philosophies and skills, and will provide directions to abundant sources of additional help, including an interactive online group to continue the discussions between in-person sessions. The LDF will offer catalyzing interactions and discussion of mutual concerns with fellow scientists.