Develop Your Leadership Competencies
Program Provides Opportunities for Personal and Professional Growth
by Kristin Bakke
In researching leadership competency models, you’ll find a consensus of three groups that constitute the “pyramid of leadership” – core competencies, leadership competencies and professional competencies.
Essential or core competencies include what many consider basic: communicating, teamwork, creative problem solving, interpersonal skills and others – the personal skills required at all levels of leadership. They are the foundation upon which leadership is built.
The next level of leadership competencies represents the skills needed to move an organization forward and are the structure that begins to separate leaders from managers. This skill set includes creating and leading teams; accurate assessment of situations; project management; conflict resolution; and coaching and training both peers and subordinates.
Real World Applications
One of the ways that the Leadership Brevard program addresses several of these competencies is through each class’s participation in Community Impact Team Projects as part of their Leadership Brevard experience. Annually, LEAD Brevard issues a request for proposal to the civic (nonprofit) community seeking projects that can be undertaken by a Leadership Brevard current class team.
Projects must be time specific, action-oriented (although they may also include research as part of their plan), have a clear and immediate value to the community, and have the approval of the participating nonprofits’ governing body. Projects are selected by the members of the class of Leadership Brevard and teams work with an organizational representative whose time will be committed to the project. Projects are not intended as fundraisers and should be able to be completed within the eight-month (September – April) timeframe of the leadership program.
For Instance…
Community Impact Team Projects in 2012 included – Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation, working with caregivers to identify potential respite solutions; Brevard Rescue Mission, creating an internship program for residents to gain experience in career fields; Cocoa Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce Non-Profit Task Force, development of a “think tank” for nonprofit partners leading to roundtable discussions for groups of nonprofits; Hope for North Brevard, assisting with the capacity building of new youth centers in Titusville; PREVENT! of Brevard, designing an innovative summer camp model to address the unmet needs of children of alcohol/drug abusing parents; The Haven for Children, partnering with the 30th Annual Downtown Melbourne 5K; and The Women’s Center, raising awareness of Sexual Assault Awareness Month by producing a media campaign that focuses on victims’ rights and the services offered by the center.
My Experience, Your Opportunity
Sound interesting? Here’s what some of the 2012 class members of Leadership Brevard had to say about their experience:
“Leadership Brevard was a great experience and was also a lot of fun! Working closely with my classmates, I developed some wonderful business connections which have already resulted in my organization, Port Canaveral, becoming a new business partner to some of these Brevard businesses. This not only positively impacted Port Canaveral, but also provided these businesses with a new client.” – Jeff Long, Chief Financial Officer, Canaveral Port Authority
“Leadership Brevard provides invaluable insight for current and future leaders within Brevard County. The collaborative efforts shaped through Leadership Brevard initiatives create enthusiastic approaches to various leadership challenges within Brevard County.” – CWO Jim Dubea, United States Coast Guard
“My time in Leadership Brevard has taught me to step out of my comfort zone and make the changes I want to see in my community. Through the informative day-long sessions, I had the opportunity to learn about areas where I can make an impact in Brevard. Whether the cause is political, environmental or charitable in nature, I have been given the tools and the connections through Leadership Brevard to make a difference.” – Danielle Stern, Community Affairs Specialist, Brevard County District Five Office, Commissioner Andy Anderson
“Leadership Brevard exceeded all my expectations! I gained incredible insights into the many diverse organizations throughout the county. You will not only gain an extensive network of local leaders, you will make many friends along the way. I highly recommend Leadership Brevard to anyone interested in making a difference in our county.” – Dean Rosenquist, Chief Operating Officer, Craig Technologies
If your personal or professional goals include increasing your leadership competencies, consider joining the next class of Leadership Brevard. Go to www.leadbrevard.org to enroll today.
Kristin Bakke is the president of LEAD Brevard.
