Exposition 3: Immerse & Converse!

Pro-Tip: Get to know >new< people in unique settings.

As I reflect on some of my leadership positions within a short time as a pharmacy student, there remains no greater hallmark than being the quadruple-elected class president. (Still graciously thankful to this day). And looking back on how it all happened was truly simple, yet unexpected. Almost like an opportunity that fell onto my lap. You know…all I did was talk with and get to know my new friends by moving around in class in the first few weeks. I would literally sit at different places and within a week, I readily knew everyone’s name and that is how I accidentally sought class president.

It was a similar situation with my first regional pharmacy conference thereafter. I met so many wonderful students just trying to break the mold and talk amongst new faces and it was an amazing adventure with long lasting friendships.

I think facilitating communication is likely the best leadership quality in any of our professional organizations. As a board leader in other national associations, I realized it is so pivotal to talk to and get to know about the organization itself by reaching out to other leaders. The meetings and the webinars are other important venues.

What’s the secret technique?

I’ve said it myself time after time, and I have honestly read it endless times from LinkedIn posts too.

Be willing to be awkward.

If it’s not easy for you- it’s not easy for someone else! Someone must ignite the fireworks at the table and get the ball rolling though. Often times it turns into an hour of disengaging phone scrolling between sessions/seminars or events because other guests are new attendees too. They want to smile, chat, and network…I promise you!

That doesn’t mean you are not socially in tuned.

You should be able to read the room.

Retain modesty where possible and exude professionalism as needed.

What I mean by awkward is really a nominal way of saying you should just be authentic and genuine.

Sometimes a conversation might not develop anything past a "good morning," "nice weather," "this is an exciting event." Sometimes you might end up meeting a new best friend.

Find your style through trial-and-error: experiences only exist by experimentation. You can introduce yourself with your profession or career interested. You can ask questions to engage. You can break some ice with a compliment if it fits the scene. Ultimately, the chances of you eventually finding a common interest where you start connecting are very high as most of us have some pretty common grounds. Just do a little digging and you'll find the water.

I personally love to hear about people's adventures, families, foods, and definitely pets!

What would you suggest?

--> Especially to newer students in their first/second year of pharmacy school?