It’s been a good two days, but as SLA moves from a Winter Meeting designed to train unit leaders in how to work within the SLA structure (Remember DACOLT, anybody?) to a Leadership Summit with leadership training for all members, not merely those in elected positions within SLA chapters and divisions, I sensed some confusion.

Some sessions were specifically on SLA governance. Chapter and Division Cabinet meetings were about SLA business and SLA business only. Other presentations, particularly those from non-SLA members, seemed to me to swing from leadership roles within SLA to those we encounter in the workplace. Sometimes presentations became more expansive to include personal development and our personal lives.

Leadership Summit attracted 244 attendees, many more than last year and reflective of its change in mission. SLA hopes to have more attendees next year. But until it ends the confusion about how its courses, meetings, and sessions address leadership attributes, I think it has an image problem. Who exactly is this designed for and why should I come? Clarify the mission to have a winning product.