Leading a Community of Promise HTC Academy January 28, 2009

Four Pillars Energizing Entrepreneurs Engaging and Attracting Young People Capturing Wealth Transfer Mobilizing Local Leaders – Building Community Civic Capacity

Mobilizing Leaders Communities rich with civic capacity fundamental to HTC success

People THE most important asset in every community The brain trust of the community The decision makers and planners The wealth builders The innovators, the youth, the wisdom, The culture and diversity The creators, the talent, the skill base The dreamers, historians

Effective Community Leadership Dependent on knowledgeable, skilled PEOPLE Dependent on People skilled in leadership processes Dependent on People who trust and are trustworthy Dependent on People who can orchestrate a team with vision and action

Leadership in Community Is not JUST for the …. –elite group –Elected –Community “sages”

Rather…. –Potential for leadership roles exist for all –Skills and capacities for leadership can be taught and learned –A leadership culture can transform a community

How to Approach Assess current approaches and available resources/expertise Leadership programming in existence i.e. Community leadership programs, schools, 4- H, Scouts, community organizations, etc. Formal/Informal Mentoring

Collect stories and data regarding Leadership effectiveness look to those groups/ entities (within and outside of your community) who are constantly nurturing, building needed leadership, where ‘things get done’ with a healthy turnover of leadership Ask what is being done to make this happen * Appreciative Inquiry is a HEALTHY process for this step

Gather Stakeholders Reach far and deep in community to ensure all community ‘voices’ have a stake in discussion Discuss Needs, Explore options, Develop Strategy Every community is different thus every approach will and should be different

Leading Self Leading Others Leading in context of Environment Self understanding Self awareness Self management Service to others Knowledge of effective processes Interpersonal skills/group dynamics Ability to move others to common vision All the factors affecting Community: economic, cultural social, political Holistic Leadership

Approaches to Leadership Development Community Awareness Economic units Governance Social sectors Faith based structures Community demographics History

Acquiring Skills and knowledge –Leadership theory –Leadership process skill development –Public policy development –Processes for community decision making –Process for community communication –Process for effecting community transformation –Process for collaborative work –Etc.

Application Putting Leadership to Work –Mentoring and coaching –Risk tolerance culture –Accountability partnerships –Age/skill appropriate –Assessment/evaluation

Celebrate Success and Accomplishment Honor big and small successes Celebrate in meaningful ways Broadcast to the world

INVEST IN SUCCESS Developing Leadership/Civic capacity in community is an investment in People Invest $$$....big dividends will be forthcoming Make a commitment for success