Quantifying Leadership Development: Outcomes from the 2023-2024 Aapm Mpla Pathways to Leadership Cohorts
Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the impact of the AAPM MPLA Pathways to Leadership program on member engagement and leadership development by summarizing outcomes from the initial cohorts. The goal of the 6-month program is to help members learn more about the organization and provide knowledge and tools to help them be successful including understanding the structure of the organization, schedule observations with current leaders, discuss leadership strategies, and meet with current leaders.
Methods
Participation data was analyzed for the program's initial cohorts. The effectiveness of the program to promote cohort member involvement was assessed by quantifying the number of new AAPM voting member positions and leadership roles held by cohort participants within AAPM since their entry into the program. Surveys were administered to cohort participants of the second cohort for program evaluation.
Results
Analysis of the initial cohort revealed substantial engagement, with the cohort participants each averaging a net increase of 3.28±2.35 new committee member positions and 1.61±1.20 new leadership positions (Chair, Vice-Chair, or Associate Editor) since joining the Pathways to Leadership cohort program. For the second year, lower averages (new committee member 1.60±1.26 and new leadership position 0.60±1.0) are expected given the shorter elapsed timeframe but show an immediate uptake of net new committee roles within the organization. Self-assessment scores in confidence in taking on leadership roles significantly increased since beginning the cohort in all categories assessed including chairing groups, leading TGs, running for elected positions, and leadership in regional chapters.
Conclusion
The Pathways to Leadership program has demonstrated success in cultivating engaged and confident leaders within the AAPM. The observed transition of cohort members into active members and leadership roles and gains in self-reported confidence in undertaking leadership roles supports the program's utility as a vital pipeline for sustaining and enriching the organization's volunteer leadership structure.