LEADERSHIP L E A D E R S H I P
AG E N DA
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C A M P U S D I N I N G TO DAY
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agenda
hen I started at Villanova University 25 years ago, I entered a multi-generational workforce, although I was not aware of the generational labels then as I am today. Within our dining services team we had retired senior citizens working part-time alongside our student staff; leading the team was a good mix of Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation (also known as Traditionalists or Veterans). Today, our workforce still consists of four generations—much the same while dramatically different.
TIMOTHY DIETZLER
NACUFS President timothy.dietzler@villanova.edu
In the Leadership Challenge, Kouzes and Posner identify transformational leaders as being the most effective in leading a multi-generational team. Transformational leaders do this by following five key practices: Modeling the Way, Inspiring a Shared Vision, Challenging the Process, Enabling other to Acts, and Encouraging the Heart. Transformational leaders have a preoccupation with purpose, values, morals, and ethics.
“Transformational leadership
Many individual members of NACUFS are exceptional is perhaps most necessary transformational leaders. The late Dave Prentkowski was one such leader, whose legacy to NACUFS is one of service, contribution and achievement; Dave will truly be missed by during periods of change.” our industry. NACUFS also embodies these five practices of transformational leadership as an association. Without a doubt, NACUFS is a resource to utilize to connect with your multi-generational team and effectively provide them with opportunities for development, building relationships, inspiration, and taking action. Transformational leadership is perhaps most necessary during periods of change. NACUFS is in a historic time with the transition from Dr. Joseph Spina as executive director to Gretchen Couraud. Over Joe’s 22 years as executive director, NACUFS thrived. One of Dr. Spina’s greatest accomplishments was his success in maintaining and protecting the culture of NACUFS while transforming the way the association operates by building an effective office team that balances and supports our volunteer culture. We thank Joe for his many contributions to the association and wish him well in his retirement; we welcome Gretchen and look to a bright future with her at the helm. My primary goal in my presidency, with support from the board, is to ensure a successful transition. Retaining the collaborative culture of NACUFS and our regional identities is essential. Since the national conference in Boston, I traveled to Okemos several times to meet with the association staff and Gretchen to facilitate the transition of our executive directors. Following her November start, Gretchen has worked closely with the staff to observe and learn about our association. She has done an excellent job connecting with industry, key partners, and members. So far, our efforts have been an important bridge in building and maintaining a cohesive team. In March, Mark LoParco, Nona Golledge, and I enjoyed introducing Gretchen to our members at the regional conferences. Gretchen’s “listening tour” was beneficial to her and our members. I have observed Gretchen demonstrating the five practices of transformational leaders and I am confident that her vision, enthusiasm, and experience will guide NACUFS into the future. I am looking forward the National Conference in Minneapolis and to Mark LoParco’s year as president. Mark will take us through another transition and period of change as we update and redefine our five year strategic plan. Thank you for this opportunity to serve you as president at this pivotal and important time for NACUFS. u Timothy Dietzler