The many faces of STLE
Edward P. Salek, CAE, Executive Director | TLT Headquarters Report June 2010
People from literally every nation on the planet see the value of shared education, training and networking.
STLE’s demographic profile includes men, women and people of differing ages, backgrounds and national heritage.
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My travels on behalf of STLE recently included a visit to Tulsa to attend a two-day lubrication seminar sponsored by the STLE Oklahoma Section. In addition to providing the 25 participants with a solid grounding in the subject matter, this outstanding education event reminded me of two of STLE’s most prominent features as an organization.
First and foremost is the fact that this is an organization that serves a diverse constituency. This was evident by looking at and talking with many of the students attending the Tulsa course. For example, the level of experience ranged from a number of sales trainees “just learning everything they could” to individuals with 30 years experience eager to keep their skills fresh and to expand their knowledge base.
Some had earned advanced degrees from prestigious universities, while others had a more modest educational background. The demographic profile included men, women and people of differing backgrounds and national heritage. From a job-assignment standpoint, there were lube suppliers, additive suppliers and end-users. They worked for everything from multinational companies to local distributors.
Even the choice of apparel pointed to STLE’s unique composition. There were folks in blue jeans and baseball caps, while others wore jackets and ties. Footwear choices ran the gamut from fashion boots to those of the steel-toe variety.
Course content and related discussion reflected the same diversity and scope of coverage. In addition to stressing fundamentals, several speakers shared insights into global trends related to materials choice, manufacturing processes or regulatory requirements that are driving product changes. They discussed the challenge this presents to everyone from the individual formulating a lubricant in a lab to the technician working in a power plant.
Several people commented on how much they enjoyed hearing differing opinions on the many topics being covered and the exposure to divergent points of view. They agreed with my premise that this sort of exposure provides them with a business advantage by avoiding the myopia that can come from limiting educational exposure to a narrow set of sources. For groups like STLE, this dynamic confirms our value proposition as a professional association.
Also in evidence at the Tulsa session was the participation of many individuals who either already hold an STLE credential or who are getting ready to take one of the certification exams. I spoke with one lubes formulator who told me that his goal is to expand his knowledge on the wide range of subjects that appear on the CLS exam. He was relying on company resources/experts as well as the resources available through STLE—courses and published material. His enthusiasm and commitment to the process reflects the growing significance of certification in terms of career advancement and value to the company and credibility with customers.
This brings me to the second point. It is the common bond that links people together under the STLE banner. Although backgrounds vary, the people attending and teaching at the Tulsa seminar shared a dedication to fact-based technical education. They see the value that results from this type of exposure. Results like conservation of money, energy and other valuable resources, an enhanced ability to comply with government regulatory requirements and protection of the health and safety of individuals who work with the products that STLE members create and market.
STLE can be proud of our ability to create value for this incredibly diverse audience while fulfilling our mission as a professional society.
You can reach Certified Association Executive Ed Salek at esalek@stle.org.