2011-2012 Leadership Development for Public Agencies Program
The 2011-2012 cohort of the Leadership Development for Public Agencies certificate program is designed for emerging leaders to further develop leadership behaviors that are indicative of successful leaders. At a time when public agencies in Orange County are called upon to engineer innovative and strategic solutions in the face of daunting economic and social challenges, public agency employees must rise to meet these challenges with more ingenuity and commitment. In classes led by seasoned experts, emerging leaders will examine the nature of leadership and develop a better understanding of its purpose and role within their organizations.
Learning objectives for the 2011-2012 Program:
- Define the meaning of leadership in a policy-making setting
- Define analytical, creative, and critical thinking; apply strategic thinking to decision making situations
- Understand the essential communication techniques as they apply to various constituents
- Learn the facilitator's role and tools to use in group facilitation
- Define the elements of financial management and discuss professional ethics, personal integrity and good business practices
- Identify key obstacles and develop strategies based on influencing principles
Classes for 2011-2012
Developing the Leader Within
(4 hours/0.4 CEUs)
This class is designed to assist leaders in developing a better understanding of their strengths. "Know thyself" is an integral part of understanding one's leadership style. Leaders who understand how their style impacts others have a definite advantage when it comes to motivating and inspiring. Through a series of self-assessments and in-depth discussions of the outcomes, individuals will begin to see the impact their attributes, skills, and knowledge can have on team performance and morale.
Leadership in Public Administration
(8 hours/0.8 CEUs)
Group facilitation is a process of thinking through procedures and formats that enable a group to gather its cumulative insights, define the order, and to ultimately decide on a course of action that has group commitment. A successful facilitator is a process guide serving to ensure that the group accomplishes its goals. In this class, individuals will learn about the role the facilitator plays in group process and the various techniques of facilitation in an effort to lead groups to greater productivity. Discussions will cover the fundamental aspects of facilitation for those new to the art of facilitating group process, and reinforce skills for those already familiar with group facilitation.
Strategic Thinking for Leaders
(8 hours/0.8 CEUs)
Strategic thinking involves gathering information, formulating ideas, and planning actions. Leaders who employ strategic thinking in the formulation of visions and missions, as well as in the day-to-day decision making, will find themselves more engaged and effective. This class will reinforce analytical, critical, and creative thinking processes by highlighting the critical factors involved, while engaging students in hands-on exercises.
Group Facilitation - An Art Form!
(8 hours/0.8 CEUs)
Group facilitation is a process of thinking through procedures and formats that enable a group to gather its cumulative insights, define the order, and to ultimately decide on a course of action that has group commitment. A successful facilitator is a process guide serving to ensure that the group accomplishes its goals. In this class, individuals will learn about the role the facilitator plays in group process and the various techniques of facilitation in an effort to lead groups to greater productivity. Discussions will cover the fundamental aspects of facilitation for those new to the art of facilitating group process, and reinforce skills for those already familiar with group facilitation.
Designing & Delivering Effective Presentations
(4 hours/0.4 CEUs)
Developing and practicing delivery skills can make a significant difference in the success of an effective presentation. The ability to deliver information in a style that will keep the attention of the audience while addressing the salient points of the presentation is an important attribute for speakers. Participants in this class will learn how to deliver presentations that grab and hold the attention of the audience and learn the necessary steps in preparing an effective presentation that will "Wow" the audience. Discussions will also focus on utilizing technology in support of the presentation and examine handout designs that will reinforce the effectiveness of the message being presented.
Class Schedule
| Classes |
Date |
Time |
| Developing the Leader Within |
September 29, 2011 |
3-7pm |
| Leadership in Public Administration |
October 6 & 13, 2011 |
3-7pm |
| Strategic Thinking and Decision Making |
October 27 & November 3, 2011 |
3-7pm |
| Group Facilitation - An Art Form! |
November 10, 2011 |
3-7pm |
| Designing and Delivering Effective Presentations |
November 17 & December 1, 2011 |
3-7pm |
| Financial Management for Non-Financial Managers |
January 12 & 19, 2012 |
3-7pm |
| Influencing for Greater Results |
January 26 & February 2, 2012 |
3-7pm |
| Leading Change in Organizations |
February 9, 2012
February 16, 2012 |
3-7pm
1-5pm |
Financial Management for Non-Financial Managers
(8 hours /0.8 CEUs)
You don't need to be a financial manager to understand the various components of basic finance in the public sector. In this class, you will gain an understanding of the financial aspects of public administration by exploring basic accounting principles and concepts that are critical to an organization's financial operations, and examine the various tools used in support of the financial decision-making process. The class will address topics including accounting styles, financial transactions, journaling, and financial spreadsheets, as well as their specific applications in the public sector.
Influencing Skills for Greater Results
(8 hours /0.8 CEUs)
In organizations where teamwork and collaboration are emphasized, leaders at every level rely on influencing skills by using knowledge and competence rather than position and status to influence others. In this class, individuals will learn to develop political savvy, build value with others, overcome resistance, and mitigate personal risk. Class discussion will also focus on influencing strategies to gain commitment from others and foster collaboration. Individuals will have the opportunity to take part in experiential activities that will reinforce the learning.
Leading Change in Organizations
(8 hours /0.8 CEUs)
Chaotic, messy, tumultuous, and continuous are some of the words used to describe the changes experienced by organizations. Forces beyond the control of most organizations play a part in this frenetic process. Organizational managers must learn to not only deal with this, but also utilize it to the advantage of their organizations. Changes that are ignored are done so at the peril of the organization's survival. This class will introduce individuals to the factors influencing change, leadership qualities needed to successfully manage change, the impact of change on the organization, the methodology of the change management cycle, how to manage change in an organization, and what implications organizational change may have for the future.