In 2022, ESD cabinet sent out a culture survey to all staff to learn more about what staff members view as the agency’s strengths and what are ways the agency can improve. Results of that survey showed that ESD staff are interested in more leadership development and training. As a result, cabinet initiated a dedicated planning team to research and design the ESD 112 leadership development program. This group has named itself “LEAD,” which stands for Leadership Engagement And Development.

Over the next several months, the LEAD team, comprised of people from across our agency’s divisions and departments, will research and design this development-focused, capacity-building program, which is set to launch by May 2024.

LEAD is also excited to announce a list of training opportunities available to all staff interested in building leadership skills, regardless of where they are in their career. Some courses will be available in person, others via Zoom, and a few offered as hybrid options, so they are accessible to all staff.

The first course, “Leading with Emotional Intelligence” was presented by Kathy Whitlock on January 24 in an in-person, workshop format. Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize and positively manage emotions in yourself, others, and among groups and is a powerful component of effective leadership. Those who were unable to attend the course, can review Kathy’s slide deck and also download and take the self assessment that participants took.

Future LEAD courses will include:

Strategic Thinking, Project Management, Courageous Conversations, Positive Communication, and Goal Setting with a Team.

Thank you to Kathy Whitlock for kicking off our LEAD course series, and thank you to the LEAD team for taking the time to create meaningful opportunities for professional growth in our agency!