Leadership for the Long Haul

The National Network of Forest Practitioners is offering a 7-month leadership training for existing and emerging leaders and I am madly scheming how to get myself there. The cost is not cheap, especially if you are trying to fly out of small town Montana, but the format looks great:

Initial Session: A 3-day session to introduce participants to the fundamentals of Leadership with Emotional Intelligence, Purpose and Vision and provide an opportunity for participants to gain a full understanding of program resources, build a network, and form peer learning groups.

Bi-Weekly Assignments: Research shows that many of the skills needed for leadership are developed in the limbic areas of the brain and are therefore best learned through motivation, extended practice, repetition and feedback. The more parts of our lives that we can identify as relevant to our leadership learning goals, the more chances to practice. Being mindful of learning opportunities when they arise and spontaneously seizing them as a way to practice new abilities offer one way to improve quickly.

Five Monthly one-on-one coaching calls with an Executive Coach: Coaching will focus on specific issues as identified by the participant and on the adaptation and application of learning gained through the other project activities.

Five Monthly Peer Learning Calls: Once a month, participants will join 2-3 of their fellow participants as established during the launch event. In addition to learning from each other, project fellows learn with each other through discussion of readings, and individual and shared reflection. It is anticipated that the calls will foster continuity, applied learning, and peer networks program participants can call upon.

Second Session and Reflection: This two and a half-day session will focus on Leadership Renewal. As renewal is a need of both new and seasoned leaders, a limited number of seasoned leaders will join the group for this event, thereby also facilitating learning across generations. There will also be an opportunity for participants to evaluate the program and make recommendations. This session will precede the 2009 NNFP Annual Meeting in Arkansas.

Training sessions at the Annual NNFP Membership Meeting: Up to four sessions focusing on Leadership for Resilient Organizations will be offered. This will create an opportunity for program participants and individuals from the general membership to participate.

The big question is: how do I sell this to my superior(s)? I have had only marginal success in the past and am trying to view this as my next stretch assignment: making a case to my E.D. (who makes me really nervous!). I know he will want to know how it will benefit the organization, and I need to be well prepared to answer that question. I also know that I will need to negotiate how much my organization will cover and what I am willing to chip in.

I recently had a conversation with a seasoned professional and colleague who said that when he and his wife were working professional jobs that didn't support their professional development, they made a commitment to set aside 10% of their meager salary to invest in themselves. If we don't take care of ourselves, who will, right? But, we also need to be able to ask for those things we want and give others the opportunity to hear us and decide whether to support us or not.

That is why I will be sitting down with my E.D. in the next two weeks to have a heart to heart about my skills, my potential and my career goals (which are not to stay an Associate forever!)