Academy Nutures Future Leaders
Posted by Lake Superior Community Partnership on August 11, 2015
What makes a great leader? I believe effective leaders possess many qualities, including the ability to communicate effectively, integrity, a positive attitude and the ability to inspire. We live in a community with many influential leaders who strive to make a positive impact and embody these qualities. These folks may or may not be CEOs and leaders of companies, but they volunteer in the community, serve on boards, are cheerleaders for the area and overall they impact Marquette County in a positive way on a daily basis. Another thing many in this group have in common is that they are alumni of the Lake Superior Leadership Academy facilitated by the LSCP.
The LSCP established the Lake Superior Leadership Academy (LSLA) in 1998 with the firm conviction that today’s leadership has an obligation to nurture tomorrow’s leaders. Our LSLA advisory committee is committed to recruiting a group of the area’s finest emerging and current leaders who represent a broad spectrum of the county-wide community. LSLA strives to establish and maintain a climate where individuals may develop to their potential and maximize their contributions to our area. The impact of Academy graduates, past and future, on our community is invaluable. Have you considered becoming a sponsoring organization or class member?
The Academy kicks off with a retreat in the September, followed by nine topic-oriented days and a graduation program in May. The retreat sets the stage for the programs which will include structured exercises exploring dynamics of our society, analysis of individual leadership and decision making styles and effective utilization of group process. The following sessions focus individually on a major area of the community and explore the issue of leadership within the context of the day’s program. Day themes include Leadership, Regional Economy, Justice, Government, Media, Education, Health & Human Services, Community Development and Public Infrastructure.
The Academy provides participants with opportunities to meet and talk with leaders from all segments of our community. They will exchange views and share opinions and challenges facing our area. In addition, the interaction of the participants allows for the development of mutual trust and respect which will encourage continuing relationships outside the formal program. Over a period of time, as alumni increase their community participation and assume positions of greater responsibility, our community will be strengthened.
Applications may be initiated individually or by nomination. Up to twenty-five participants will be chosen from the written applications. Nominees will require the full support of the organization or business which they represent. Attendance and participation in each session is essential. To apply, visit www.marquette.org, click on participation and Lake Superior Leadership Academy or stop by the LSCP office. Application are due by August 31 and the retreat takes place September 25 and 26.
As a graduate of the inaugural class in 1999 and watching LSCP staff members go through the Academy, I know how beneficial this program is. To this day I keep in touch and do business with my classmates and use the information I learned about the different segments of Marquette County often. I highly recommend this program and encourage local businesses to send a representative from their office to learn more about our community and develop important leadership skills. Ask any LSLA alumni and they’ll tell you what a positive experience that they had!
Amy Clickner, CEO, writes a bi-weekly column for the Mining Journal.
