By Fred Brown, DNP, RN, ONC

Have you set a goal to become one of NAON’s national leaders, but you don’t feel quite ready yet? Do you have a basic understanding of the organization but feel that more information will help you decide which position is best for you?  For many members, they already possess the confidence and knowledge to be a national NAON leader.  Some members need a little coaching.

This year, the Executive Board evaluated our Leadership Fellow Program (LFP). The LFP was initially designed to take interested NAON members, integrate them into national leadership activities, and provide them with general knowledge of the organization.  In an effort to meet the needs of the members that were requesting mentoring, the Mentoring Program was revised.

This interactive, six-month program pairs NAON members with NAON coaches to help increase the members’ understanding of the organization, the roles and responsibilities of NAON leaders, and helps prepare members for a potential leadership positions. 

This one-on-one program includes instruction on:
• Personal and organizational leadership
• Oral and written communication styles
• Chapter manual orientation
• Fiscal processes and accountabilities
• NAON Executive Board roles and responsibilities
• Candidate packet completion
• And much more

The NAON Mentoring Program includes both a Web-based component and monthly phone calls between member and coach pairs to discuss content of the program.  Through the use of a personal leadership development toolkit, members will have access to over two dozen suggested hands-on and reading activities.  Members will be able to discuss their progress in each topic area with their coaches. 

The toolkit and other program items will be available to members via a special Web link that will be sent to participants upon their acceptance into the program. 

At the conclusion of the program, the member will have:
• A deeper understanding of their personal leadership style
• Thorough knowledge of NAON, as an organization
• The ability to confidently complete the required NAON Elected Leadership Application

Click here to go to online Mentoring Program application.  The deadline for the application to be received is Jan. 22, 2010.

Our organization is committed in creating leaders from its membership.  If the time is right, complete an application for the program.  You will be glad you did.