Debra Martin, Director of Great Lakes RCAP, presenting the Leadership Training
Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.’ – Jack Welch
On Thursday, February 2, 2017, the Black Swamp Nature Center was a-buzz. The second of many training session sponsored by Ohio RCAP (Rural Community Assistance Program) was held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Several local government entities and businesses were well represented as Debra Martin, Director of Great Lakes RCAP; Roberta Streiffert, Rural Development Specialist/Toledo; and Scott Strahley RCAP Engineer/Paulding presented the session entitled ‘Leadership and Community Development’. Participants listened as Ms. Martin challenged them to think about how leadership arises and also about the five leadership practices, being: 1) Model the Way; 2) Inspire Shared Vision; 3) Challenge the Process; 4) Enable Others to Act; and 5) Encourage the Heart. The group in attendance also participated in activities that enabled them to share thoughts and ideas on leadership. Ms. Martin challenged the group to focus on leaders that they admire and how that person implements some of the five leadership practices. Many participants elected to complete a Temperament Indicator questionnaire as ‘homework’ prior to the training session. A thumbnail sketch illustrating the eight dimensions of temperament indicator types was included with the questionnaire. Those completing their questionnaire were able to determine their psychological type, which proved to be helpful in determining their leadership strengths and weaknesses. The handout provided tips to avoid conflicts in the workplace or life in general with types that are different from you.
Scott Strahley and Jerry Zielke, Paulding County Economic Development Director, are coordinating efforts for this series of training sessions. Future sessions will be advertised and are free for anyone desiring to attend.
