Giving thanks in turbulent times
Edward P. Salek, CAE, Executive Director | TLT Headquarters Report November 2020
A nimble and effective organization provides reasons for optimism.
A new Strategic Plan defines the role the organization intends to play in support of members and the tribology and lubricants technical community.
November is, of course, the month when the U.S. celebrates Thanksgiving, so this seems like the right moment to share some thankful observations about STLE. The hope is that a few will ring true with TLT readers and serve as a source of optimism at a time we could all use a little pep talk.
Because I’m about two months into my 25th year with STLE, the first few of the observations are personal reflections based on reaching that milestone. The experiences are meaningful to me, but they also say quite a bit about the organization in general.
No. 1 on the list is the people I have met and the many things I have learned from them. This includes 25 STLE Presidents and many former presidents from the pre-1996 era that have become mentors and friends. This experience of learning and collaboration is shared by most people who join the STLE family.
I also am thankful for my current and former colleagues on the STLE staff. These skilled professionals, as well as the staff members who worked for STLE before my tenure began, have made valuable contributions in everything from meetings, publishing and accounting to answering a member question with a friendly voice and helpful attitude.
Our past and current success also is linked to the six former executive directors. They built a solid foundation, starting with Burgess H. Jennings, who handled the role as a volunteer from 1944-1947. The longest serving—and arguably most distinguished—is my predecessor Maxine Hensley, who served from 1970-1997.
STLE business has meant visiting a variety of locations in North America, Europe and Asia. While each stop is different, there’s a common theme when the STLE delegation arrives and interacts with other technical professionals. We are a group that’s known and respected for being the premier technical society in tribology and lubricants.
Finally, there’s recognition and thanks for the spirt of volunteerism that’s characteristic of this organization. We could not afford to pay for the services contributed by our skilled volunteers, but they do the work for free!
Shifting from the personal to organizational, there are more reasons for optimism. Topping the list is the STLE Strategic Plan, which will guide the organization through 2023. The four plan domains define the role the organization intends to play in support of members and the tribology and lubricants technical discipline.
The plan builds on a solid base of membership support. In the first of two recent surveys, the organization received an overall 90% satisfaction score when participants were asked about the value of being an STLE member. A second survey took a closer look at how TLT contributes to that high level of satisfaction. That study confirmed that TLT remains the top rated of STLE’s products and services.
STLE’s value is enhanced and extended by the network of STLE Local Sections that support members throughout North America. Sections play a vital role in delivering value through technical education and networking. They also are a source of leadership and innovative ideas that keeps STLE vibrant.
The past year has demonstrated the organization’s ability to adapt to challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and the related business impact. STLE has shifted from traditional delivery mechanisms to online offerings.
Members can be thankful to have a nimble and effective organization in their professional toolkit. TLT readers who are not members are encouraged and welcomed to become part of the team. You’ll thank us for making the recommendation!
You can reach Certified Association Executive Ed Salek at esalek@stle.org.