How many balls can you juggle at one time?

Identify 7 balls extension middle managers juggle every day in leading the extension program Identify strategies for keeping the balls in the air

Leadership Administrative Management Office Management Fiscal Management Personnel Management Program Management Public Relations & Marketing

Provide leadership and direction for the overall extension and help others to understand the mission and vision of extension and its relationship to other agencies and institutions.

Promote the vision & mission Support the strategic plan Explain the land grant system Communicate the history, philosophy & contemporary nature of extension Create an atmosphere for positive working relationships & teamwork Promote positive working relationships with research & 1890 personnel Model personal accountability

Inspire positive attitudes, professionalism & leadership among personnel Set high expectations for performance Seek to improve personal self Effectively manage conflict Promote critical thinking Demonstrate exemplary work ethics Effectively manage groups

Effectively and efficiently manage all office, fiscal, personnel and programmatic issues.

Follow extension & university policies & procedures Comply with Civil Rights, Equal Opportunity Employment (EEO), Affirmative Action (AA) & other appropriate employment laws & policies Facilitate effective communication (both written & oral) among extension personnel at the local, district & state level Understand and promote diversity

Maximizes the use of all resources to promote professionalism and efficiency for the extension program.

Keep the office open and equipped Maintain a professional & safe business atmosphere Conduct well-organized staff conferences, keeping thorough records Maintain effective communications with all personnel in office Involve personnel in decision-making Keep the office clean, neat & presentable to the public

Effectively secures and utilizes financial resources.

Follow all accounting policies & procedures Secure sustainable funding to support extension programs Maintain current cooperative agreements for all partners Ensure proper invoicing of partners Prepare and defend annual budget to partners and stakeholders Maintain accurate financial records Involve extension personnel in budget development & purchasing decisions

Provides an environment that allows for the continued growth and development of all extension personnel.

Orient new staff. Conduct effective annual performance evaluations & provide positive feedback Foster courteous & productive co-worker relationships Follow personnel policies and procedures Support extension personnel in personal & professional growth Motivate extension personnel to do their best work Reward exemplary performance Help prepare extension personnel for promotion Work with appropriate individuals to promptly address poor performance, policy violations & similar issues Hold extension personnel accountable for work hours

Ensures the extension program effectively addresses issues of concern to stakeholders by providing high-quality educational, research-based programs.

Align program plans with identified issues Be sure that outcomes accurately reflect the impact & results of program efforts Be able to explain extension’s program development theory & cycle Submit reports on time Support extension educators in the development & maintenance of effective program advisory councils/committees. Attend local program advisory council meetings Encourage the recruitment and effective use of volunteers

Effectively promotes the value of the extension and develops and maintains strong partnerships.

Build strong partnerships and collaborations Promote positive image of self and extension Promote the brand identity of extension Attend appropriate government meetings Report progress to stakeholders and partners Have a public relations strategy Establish rapport with key individuals Use all media outlets to tell extension’s story Participate in commodity & civic organizations & associations

 Initiative  Fairness  Objectivity  Personal accountability  Positive attitude  Responsiveness  Attention to detail  Caring  Integrity  Respect for diversity  Perception  Sensitivity  Behavioral flexibility  Assertiveness  Professionalism  Organizational skills