Welcome to The Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists!
The Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists (GLAO) is a constituent of the American Association of Orthodontists. The GLAO advocates on behalf of its members and promotes the value and advancement of the Specialty of Orthodontics. Component organizations of the GLAO include: Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Ontario (Canada), and Pennsylvania (west of the Alleghenies).
A Message from The GLAO President...
AUTHENTIC LEADERSHIP!
In 1963, Gordon Moore, co-founder of Intel came up with the
Law of Computing Capability. It
predicted the number of transistors per square inch in integrated circuits
would double every year or so. Believe
it or not, this law is still applicable today.
The race for improved technology is moving forward at a rapid rate and is
causing us to react in uncomfortable ways. Birthing the immense capabilities of the
cloud, 3D printing, AI, robotics and nanotech capabilities all contributing to
shaping the future into something we never dreamed of. Initially, we could adapt and use
conventional problem solving strategies in our practices, businesses,
associations or corporations, to respond to this rapidly changing landscape. But no more!
A number of factors are causing this seismic shift that we, not only as
an association are facing and adapting to but in our own practices, as
clinicians. Smartphone, social media, and
using WiFi platforms are connecting billions people worldwide leading to a
“collective human superintelligence,” and influencing cultural norms. This is having a profound impact on age old institutions
and it members. Many of these changes
are being shaped and forced by twenty to thirty year olds, “Multipotentialites”. This term describes a new generation of tech
savvy thinkers awaiting innovating leadership and creating new parameters that
are multidimensional for the “I generation.”
This group of individuals take this explosion of technology as their
norm and use these tools as everyday equipment making changes and advancements
that their elder peers admire and envy. However,
this phenomenon is forever evolving the rules of the game in business, politics,
and interpersonal relations, thus forcing many to jump on that wave in order to
thrive.
Coupled with the above changes, entities or associations are
dealing with “crisis management,” of a significant degree. An often used acronym, VUCA is use to
describe this with Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity as it
cores tenets. Loosely defined it means: “It’s unpredictable out there!” Critical thinking in dealing with these
changes and what was once a hallmark of business environment can now be
confusing. Many find comfort in stable
situations but there needs to be comfort in discomfort. Developing a more vertical way of thinking,
not horizontal results in more innovation and creativity. We need to outrun, outsmart our previous notions
adapting to a culture that DEMANDS CHANGE.
The Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists is aware of
this growing need and doing our best to adapt, forecast and provide relevancy
for the future. Humanity is using
technology to affect cultural changes.
We know things will continue to change and speed up, for better or
worse. There needs to be more targeted
focus on one thing at a time yet while remaining FLEXIBLE.
Noted motivational speaker, Simon Sinek stated, “Leaders never
start with WHAT needs to be done…leaders need to start with the WHY we need to
do this.” Leaders inspire action.
To help develop and prepare emerging leaders, GLAO in
conjunction with the AAO has the Leadership Development Conference held yearly
for constituent and component president-elects, or other officers invited to
attend. The opportunity to network and
interact with colleges is invaluable and provides a lasting bond. Also, there exists the online Leadership
Network which a tremendous repository of material for elected leaders or
volunteers.
Your association is focusing on these changes and is
committed to establishing reference points as our guide. We are trying to eliminate our distractions
which can alter, negate and sway our direction.
We are leading from the front and pushing from the rear. While we cannot be all things to all people,
we are poised to partner with our members to aid them in continuing to improve,
enhance their practices.
Jimmy Dean once said, “I can’t change the direction of the
wind but I can adjust my sails to reach my destination.” While we cannot know what gale forces are in
store for each and every member, we possess an abundance of resources to ready
to assist and tailor to your needs. Whether self improvement, staff development,
CE’s, etc. utilizing the vast amount
information at the AAO and GLAO level, is accessible to all. The members of the board understand these
challenges that are faced on a daily basis and encourage communication with any
of us to provide assistance in matters of concern.
Our GLAO Annual Session, “ROCK YOUR SMILE,” on September 25-26, 2020 at the Hilton Cleveland
Downtown will address a variety of educational and professional topics and is
sure to be of value to both doctor and staff.
In addition, our reception will be held at the iconic Rock & Roll
Hall of Fame, truly a unique and wonderful venue. The late Steve Jobs (Apple) is quoted as
saying, “It takes a lot of hard work to make something simple, to truly
understand the underlying challenges and come up with eloquent solutions.” Our planning committee has been hard at work
to provide you the best value possible. Come
join us.
Change is exciting!
Change creates opportunities and enables us to shift our perspectives
for better outcomes. I encourage
everyone to: Challenge your Thoughts
& Challenge your Vision.
Finally, Grandmaster Nakamura stated, “When you bring your
full attention to each moment, a day is a complete lifetime of living and
learning.” Mark you moment for September
25th & 26th, 2020.
I appreciate the opportunity to serve as your President and
look forward to seeing you at our annual session in vibrant Cleveland.
Dr. Walter W. Schratz
2019-2020 GLAO President