Page 29 - IEC Insights Jan-Feb2019

here is the electrical Emerging leaders recognize the power of
industry going and
who is going to take us
there? Well, Independent influence without authority, position or
WElectrical Contractors
(IEC) and the National Association of title in their quest to become known as
Electrical Distributors (NAED) have
teamed up in identifying some of our a leader to others.
very own emerging leaders and asking
them questions about leadership and
the pathway to a better future for
our industry. While our sector as a
whole has started to provide emerging While the electrical industry has tens of authority, position or title in their quest
leaders the tools to help grow and thousands of leadership positions, only a to become known as a leader to others.
strengthen their careers and professional small percentage are filled by emerging
development opportunities. We need leaders. By definition, an emerging leader During the fall of 2018, our membership
to take some time to better understand is not just defined by your age. We have and industry recognition committees
the potential challenges and begin to learned that many factors make up launched a series of focus groups to
develop solutions. In collaboration with characteristics belonging to an emerging strengthen our framework for increasing
the NAED, we are developing a series leader from years of experience within recognition of our emerging leaders
of meetings with a working group of certain roles to the generalization of and the development of a meaningful
emerging leaders in both our member being under 40. Through our process leadership capacity building opportunity
organizations to gain insight and of engagement, we plan to clearly for our emerging leaders. This spring, we
understand where our industry is going define an emerging leader to ensure will continue to fine tune our framework
and what challenges/opportunities inclusivity to all. Everyone, not just a for a formalized emerging leader program
our members face in the future. We select few, have the potential to become set to launch in 2020. It is our ultimate
are slated to begin in February 2019. known as a leader. Emerging leaders goal to create a leadership development
recognize the power of influence without program to cultivate future leaders for
industry leadership opportunities.
To help emerging leaders continue their
emergence, we must help them continue
to develop. Our industry needs great
leaders. Let’s do our part to continue to
identify, help, and develop new emerging
leaders! It’s not too late for you to support
this work, you and/or your organization
can create opportunities for learning
within your company, become a mentor
or participate in one of our upcoming
focus groups. Get involved today and
email us at emergingleaders@ieci.org.

RaeShawn Crosson serves as Chief
Operating Officer and is responsible for
the strategic and operational leadership
of IEC. She brings extensive management
experience to IEC with professional
expertise in strategic planning, training,
investigation, change management, budget
preparation, compensation, technology
utilization, and communications. As a
Certified Public Manager, RaeShawn is an
active member of the International Public
Managers Association (IPMA) and the
Society of Human Resource Management.

www.ieci.org | January/February 2019 | Insights Magazine 27