‘Leadership’ partners with Coastal Bend College to offer ‘Critical Thinking in Leadership’ Program

Whether they are in social groups, government, business, educational institutions or faith-based organizations, leaders are a key factor in the success of Texas communities. Leaders make things happen. They take the initiative. They get people involved. They are accountable for their actions. Leaders help groups create vision and see large and small projects to fruition. Leaders are vital to the future ofTexascommunities.

Because leaders are so valuable to communities, the Texas Rural Leadership Program was created with the goal of developing and supporting community leaders in an effort to promote community revitalization and economic development. TRLP provides Texans with the tools and skills necessary to be successful leaders.

One of the main products that TRLP distributes is the Critical Thinking in Leadership curriculum, supported by a grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Perkins Grant Program.

Leadership Bee, Live Oak and Refugio Counties partners with Coastal Bend College to bring the leadership development program, set to begin Sept. 9. Classes are monthly through July 2012, to the community.

Many leadership development programs focus on meet and greet situations (where participants spend much of their time getting acquainted with local agencies, governments or other organizations). While these are helpful, they have little long-term impact on creating or managing change within communities. CTL, on the other hand, gives participants the tools and skills needed to provide leadership within the communities in which they live and work. The overall goal of the program is to develop leaders that will successfully identify and address critical issues that will bring about improved conditions in their communities.

CTL is a valuable tool for educators, businesses and communities to develop current and prospective leaders by strengthening effective problem solving skills. As participants progress through the curriculum’s three courses, they will develop personal workplace and community leadership skills using a combination of readings, activities, exercises and case studies that stimulate critical thinking and analysis. 

Qualified instructors and facilitators lead sessions where participants will learn about and discuss topics dealing with corporate and community leadership. These include styles, ethics, critical thinking, communication, motivational techniques, facilitation, conflict management, networking, team building, data-driven decision making and strategic planning. Graduates of the program become resources within their communities and possess the skills necessary to be effective leaders.

Following completion of the program, participants should be able to translate their knowledge of economic trends, local needs and resources into new strategies to stimulate economy; mobilize people and resources to improve the community’s future; and work together across political boundaries. Graduates will also have the benefit of the support of a CTL alumni network.

Leaders are necessary in all areas of life. CTL is designed for a diversity of leaders throughout the community. Examples of people and organizations that will benefit from attending the course include business owners, city and county officials, church groups, community volunteers, continuing education coordinators, economic developers, educators and administrators, nonprofit organizations, workforce development personnel, youth and others.

If you would like more information about Leadership Bee, Live Oak and Refugio Counties and the upcoming leadership development program, please contact Glynis Holm Strause, Continuing Education, Coastal Bend College at ghstraus@coastalbend.edu or (361) 345-2447.

ASIDE

Critical Thinking in Leadership Schedule 2011-2012

Leadership Bee County, Leadership Live Oak County, Leadership Refugio County

Sept. 9, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at CBC Lott-Canada Facility

Instructor: Glynis Holm Strause – Leadership, Critical Thinking, Team Building, Lunch and Learn

Oct. 14, 1-4 p.m. at CBC Lott-Canada Facility

Instructor: Kathy Taylor – “Team Players and Teamwork”

Nov. 11, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at CBC Lott-Canada Facility

Instructor: Glynis Holm Straus – Community and Team Building, Data Gathering, Lunch and Learn

Dec. 9, 1-4 p.m. at CBC Lott-Canada Facility

Instructor: Kathy Taylor – Field Trip, “Eat That Frog”

Jan. 13, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at CBC Lott-Canada Facility

Instructor: Greg Clary – Community Profiles, Appreciative Inquiry, Asset Mapping, Data Driven Decision Making, Lunch and Learn

Feb. 10, 1-4 p.m. at CBC Lott-Canada Facility

Instructor: Kathy Taylor – Field Trip, “Presentation Plus”

March 9, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at CBC Lott-Canada Facility

Instructor: Adrian Jackson – Strategic and Action Planning, Lunch and Learn

April 13, 1-4 p.m. at CBC Lott-Canada Facility

Instructor: Kathy Taylor – “Managing in Minutes”

May 11, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at CBC Lott-Canada Facility

Instructor: Adrian Jackson – Accountability and Measuring Results, Barriers to Critical Thinking, Lunch and Learn

June 10, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at CBC Lott-Canada Facility

Instructor: Adrian Jackson – Case Studies, Strategic Planning, Lunch and Learn

July 10, TBA

Graduation

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