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THE 2001 ALL-SHOWALTER TEAM
It's that time of year again, to announce the 2001 All-Showalter Team. The All-Showalter Team is comprised of government relations professionals who embody one or more necessary qualities of a grassroots avatar. A few people in organizations appear twice, and there are "ties" in certain categories.
Accountability - a candid assessment of our programs' successes and failures builds internal organizational respect for all government relations' work. Excuses and rationalizations are unacceptable to accountable government relations professionals.
- Tiffany Adams, National Association of Manufacturers
- Richard Gose, Credit Union National Association
Attention to Detail - Many of us are adequate self-starters; however, we have to be excellent self-finishers. The road to achievement in grassroots is bombarded with incomplete projects and loose ends. How many projects, initiatives, programs do we have that are lying on the shelves, or "in process?" While it's good for some of them to stay on the shelf, it's not a bad practice of getting in the habit of finishing what you start.
- Maria Peralta, American Heart Association
Curiosity/Innovation - Because grassroots activism is not a natural state of being, the astute grassroots leader knows that they always have to find new and innovative ways to get people engaged in their cause. Continuously asking questions as to why something is the way it is, or how it can be made better, is the essence of curiosity, and often leads to innovation.
- Michelle Mason, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America
Energy - Grassroots and PAC professionals are constantly coaching, instructing, educating, nurturing, and acknowledging the efforts of their members. This level of energy is almost biochemical in nature.
- Noah Smith, American Cancer Society, Great Lakes Division
Focus - Focus creates efficiency. It allows us to ascertain whether or not a particular action will help us move toward our goal. Focus reminds you that if something is not helping you move toward your destination, then it's not important.
- Dave Hebert, American Association of Nurse Anesthetists
Humor - The key is to take your responsibilities, but not yourself, too seriously. Everything must be kept in perspective. A sense of humor is appealing to PAC and grassroots members.
- Jeff Klingler, Ohio Hospital Association
- Jason Kneeland, National Audubon Society
Member Respect - Your grassroots and PAC members know if you truly believe in the value of their contributions toward your organization's success in the legislative arena. You can't fake it! This sincere appreciation accelerates their desire to get even more engaged in the process.
- Christy Bailey, International Brotherhood of Teamsters
- Tammy Eddy, National Association of Home Builders
- Nicole Lamoureux, National Association of Home Builders
- Sharon Raymond, American Banker's Association
Risk Taking - Following the herd is rarely a recipe for success. Risky pursuits in one organization may be common practice in another, but if you are not making waves, you're not accomplishing anything.
- Linda Augliss, National Beer Wholesalers Association
Passion - The best grassroots leaders love what they do. While not everyday is bliss, they generally go to work with a sense of mission and belief in their cause.
- Ken Grossinger, AFL - CIO
- Corry Westbrook, National Audubon Society
Planning/Goal Setting - Ad hoc PAC and grassroots efforts are rarely successful. Further, lack of planning and goal setting results in a lack of program momentum. Planning and goal setting increases the likelihood that your efforts will result in an organized, results-oriented program.
- Cynthia Stewart, International Council of Shopping Centers
Presentation Skills - To rally the troops for any cause, you have to speak! Preferably, your presentations are an experience, rather than just a transfer of knowledge.
- Kristen Berry, National Audubon Society
- Judd Klement, National Audubon Society
Organization - Juggling multiple projects and initiatives is a constant challenge. The organized government relations professional keeps it all together and the result is a program with momentum and efficiency.
- Susan Goodman, Southwest Airlines
- Lisbeth Lyons, National Federation of Independent Business
What a stellar combination of talents and skills! Congratulations to my second annual All-Showalter Team.
View Year 2000 All -Showalter Team Award Winners (click here)
Copyright 2002, The Showalter Group, Inc. The Showalter Group works with corporations and associations that want to increase their grassroots and PAC effectiveness. 614-781-1300