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Leadership Development
Leadership Mecosta is a nine-month program that includes one two-day retreat and eight day-long sessions. Participants will enjoy dynamic sessions focusing on leadership skill development and community education which includes an inside look at the systems that make our community what it is today.
Inspiration: Team Geese
Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go through it alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the power of the flock.
If we have as much sense as a goose, we will share information with those who are headed the same way we are going.
When the lead goose gets tired, he rotates back in the wing and another goose takes over.
It pays to share leadership and take turns doing hard jobs.
The geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep their speed.
Words of support and inspiration help energize those on the frontline, helping them to keep pace in spite of the day-to-day pressures and fatigue.
Finally, when a goose gets sick or is wounded by a gunshot and falls out, two geese fall out of the formation and follow the injured one down to help and protect him. They stay with him until he is either able to fly or until he is dead, and then they launch out with another formation to catch up with the group.
IF we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by each other when things get rough. The next time you see a formation of geese, remember: IT is a ‘Reward’, a ‘Challenge’, and a ‘Privilege’ to be a contributing member of a ‘Team’.
Source Unknown
Dates
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Leadership Mecosta is a nine-session one-day-a-month leadership program designed to sharpen our community leaders in the areas of; self, team and community leadership. The experience will kick off with a two day overnight team building event. The workshops will meet one day a month for the remainder of the time. Workshops will consist of training modules, relevant books and articles, guest speakers, group discussions, research projects and field experiences. Each Workshop will have large group and small group (ascent teams) components so that each experience is engaging, valuable and memorable.
LEADERSHIP IS:
Knowing what to do next
Knowing why that’s important
Knowing how to bring appropriate resources to bear on the need at hand.
--Bob Biehl
GOALS:
1. To connect the participants to their communities human, natural, intellectual and commercial resources.
Objectives:
o This experience will kick off with a two day team building workshop introducing the team to each other and establishing our group credo.
o The leaders will be split into small groups so that everyone will have time to share, process and be known.
o We will tour the county by participating in a Mecosta County Amazing Race.
o We will have guest speakers addressing key topics of our community
o Participants will research and present on an aspect of our community of their choice
o We will visit each community in our county and meet with key leaders.
2. To develop self leadership abilities
Objectives:
o Each leader will complete a number of assessment tools to promote self awareness (i.e. DISC, Strength Finders, Clear Slate, Financial Management, Stress Identifier)
o Each leader will complete the Self Leadership Module (i.e. coping with change, failure, burnout, pressure, balance, confidence, creativity, discipline, and self motivation)
o The leaders will set a personal and professional goal and will be encouraged to be accountable in their Ascent Teams.
3. To develop team leadership abilities
Objectives
o Each leader will complete the Team Leadership Module (i.e. coaching vs managing, communication, conflict resolution, forgiveness, brainstorming, prioritizing, risk taking)
o Each leader will complete a Planning Rocket a planning and accountability tool and share with their Ascent Team
o Each leader will complete the Building Effective Leaders Module.
o Each leader will present a bio of an effective leader and lead a discussion on why they were effective.
4. To develop an awareness of community strengths and needs and to promote a desire to be an active part of its continuous improvement
Objectives
o Each leader will be exposed to a wide variety of community resources (i.e. EMS, Education, Health Care, Social Services, Government, Chamber of Commerce…)
o Each leader will be assigned a team to address an issue that is present in the community.
o Each leader will meet key leaders and people of influence in our community.
o Each leader will be complete the 3D Program Planning Module which will aid in the community assignment.
5. To provide professional quality Workshops that are engaging, helpful and memorable
Objectives
o Each community topic will have a day leader provided by the MCC to assure the best connections to the community experts.
o Each leader will be given reading materials ahead of time so discussions will be more productive.
o Workshops will consist of one on one, small group, and large group interaction.
o Each Workshop will provide an opportunity for leaders to help each other with leadership issues that they are facing
o Each Workshop will have a similar structure to allow for a feeling of stability but also elements of change to keep things fresh
o Each Workshop will be planned in detail to assure that no ones time is wasted.
o A Facebook group or similar web group will be set up to aid in the participants connection out side of the Workshop
o Each leader will complete an application that will prepare them for the class and allow us to know them prior to the workshops.
o The facilitator will be available by email, Facebook and phone to the participating leaders
DATE: September - May - second Thursday of each month.
TIME: 8:00 – 5:00
LOCATION: Various Community Rooms, Other Mecosta County Locations
POPULATION: Leaders of Mecosta County
CLASS SIZE: 15 - 25
COST: $695
GENERAL SCHEDULE: subject to change due to speaker’s availability
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August |
Orientation 2hrs |
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September |
Summit Kick Off 2 Day Team Building Experience Mecosta County Amazing Race Self Assessment Summit Credo |
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October |
Self Leadership Community Topic Education |
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November |
Self Leadership Community Topic EMS |
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December |
Team Leadership Community Topic Social Services |
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January |
Team Leadership Community Topic Health Care |
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February |
Team Leadership Community Topic Government |
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March |
Community Leadership Community Topic Commerce |
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April |
Community Leadership Community Topic Arts Workshop Teams Presentations |
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May |
Community Leadership Workshop Teams Presentations |
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May |
Graduation |
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Application
For more information about Leadership Mecosta, please contact the Chamber of Commerce at (231)796-7649 or email info@leadershipmecosta.com. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Click here for a printable application. Leadership Mecosta is a program of the Mecosta County Area Chamber of Commerce.
Tuition assistance is available on a limited basis. Click here for guidelines and application.
