OBOC 2014-15

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Shared experiences draw people together. That is why we continued the One Book, One Community (OBOC) program for a sixth year. Everyone in the school was invited to join together in reading and discussing Take the Lead by Betsy Myers.

About the Book

In her hugely inspirational and practical book, Betsy Myers—senior adviser to two U.S. presidents and former executive director of Harvard’s Center for Public Leadership—demonstrates that you do not need to be in a boardroom, on a battlefield, or on a ballot to have a profound impact on everyone around you. Good leadership is not about having the most knowledge or power but about how you make others feel. Drawing on her experiences from the Oval Office to the playground, Myers reveals core principles that will help you:

  • Set the right priorities for yourself
  • Uncover problems while they are still easy to fix
  • Connect with others on a deeper level
  • Collaborate with those whose viewpoints differ from yours
  • Push through your fears

True leadership is not just all around us—it’s within us.
(excerpt from book synopsis from Amazon.com)

Where to Get the Book

Books can be purchased at a 10% discount at the University Bookstore on Fifth, by showing your Pitt ID.

OBOC on Facebook

Check out the One Book, One Community Facebook page which promotes online interactive news feeds, tools, discussions and more. Visit and like the page at www.facebook.com/PittPubHlthOneBookOneCommunity.

OBOC Bulletin Board

This was the third year of a school bulletin board on topics surrounding the One Book, One Community book. Displays changed every six to eight weeks throughout the academic year. The bulletin board display was outside of room A115. If you have an idea for a bulletin board concept, contact Robin Leaf.

Events

October 24, 9:30 a.m., Pitt Public Health Pavilion Auditorium G23 | Pitt Public Health Alumnus Lecture  "Taking the Lead"
By: Diane Peterson (HPM '75), founder of health care management consulting firm D. Peterson & Associates
Peterson is named as one of the "100 Most Powerful People in Healthcare" by Modern Healthcare magazine. Biostatistics Chair Sally Morton will interview Diane about her career and the many aspects of leadership. Reception to follow.
Event approved for Grand Rounds.

Already read Take the Lead? If you have ideas or event or want to be involved in planning events, contact Robin Leaf.

Suggested Reading List

The Pitt Public Health One Book, One Community program entered its fifth year fall term of 2013. Each year numerous book titles are considered and nominated by students, faculty, and staff. Multiple books are then read by faculty and staff to select the one book that will encompass the year's theme for the program. This process inherently leaves a number of worthy good books left on the bookshelf. Below is a selection of a few of them selected by the Pitt Public Health faculty for your reading enjoyment.

  • The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollen
  • The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
  • The Hot Zone by Richard Preston
  • The Wisdom of Whores by Elizabeth Pisani
  • The Band Played On by Randy Shiltz
  • Miss Evers’ Boys by David Feldshuh

Resources

About Take the Lead
Betsy Myers Biography

If you have any questions, please contact Robin Leaf, educational programs coordinator, 412-648-5984.

Take the Lead book cover