Leadership Development Program Courses

  Redefining Organizational Leadership

Presenters Scott Winter & John Blacklock will explore the elements of exceptional leadership and the role of today's leaders in preparing tomorrow's leaders. Participants will learn the core characteristics, skills, and behaviors of outstanding leadership and understand how to coach, motivate, and stimulate the development of leadership skills to prepare employees to assume leadership roles in the complex local government environment. Topics include assessment of leadership skills, effective feedback and coaching, leading across generations, and strategies for retention and professional development.

  Vision Development & Articulation

Learn the one ability that eludes many of today's leaders but is essential for success—the ability to articulate a vision and generate creative and innovative solutions for achieving that vision. From presenters Joc Clark & Tim Howey, participants will learn strategies to develop a clear, shared vision; generate innovative solutions that maximize resources; acquire the tools necessary to unleash innovation and creativity in themselves and the organization; and articulate that vision broadly, to both internal and external constituencies.

  Media Relations & Assessing the Political Landscape

Discover strategies for building positive, proactive relations with the media, citizens, and interest groups. You will learn a framework for understanding and evaluating the current political landscape, including both a historical context and a look to the future. Presenters John Blacklock & Janet Upton will share their real-world, proven techniques for assessing the political landscape and developing the proactive media relationships that are essential for successful local government leadership. Building and maintaining legislative relationships will also be addressed.

  Strategic Thinking & Policy Development

In the current environment of increasing complexity and greater interdependence, leaders must be able to think strategically and make decisions through an informed and inclusive process. In this course, presenters Scott Winter & John Blacklock focus on specific skills required to see and think “big picture” and a deliberate decision-making and comprehensive planning process and policy development aimed at optimizing the organization's success.

  Relationship Building & Strategic Partnerships

Presenters Joc Clark & Star Brown will introduce you to new and effective communication tools to enhance teamwork and cooperation throughout the organization. Leaders must know how to appropriately use various power bases to foster collaboration and partnership. This session introduces six bases of power and helps participants assess their own power base. Explore influence as it relates to building relationships, forging strategic partnerships, and effective leadership.