A voluntary Leadership  training program for elected and appointed officials serving on various Barry County boards and committees is getting under way .Leadership Barry County Director Sarah Alden told county commissioners the first session is scheduled on Wednesday, Jan. 30 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. or Friday, Feb. 8 from 9 a.m. to noon.

 

The meetings are the same, giving participants a choice of when to attend. Eight people are signed up for each meeting so far, Alden said. The program, approved last summer, is intended to increase professionalism on boards and committees and benefit citizen volunteers and the county.

 

The first session covers framing a mindset, guidelines, nuts & bolts for elected and appointed service, boardsmanship and personal leadership, closing with reflections and next steps. Main topics each have several areas to discuss.  The sessions will offer ample time for questions and answers, Alden said.

 

The training includes leadership style self-assessment, leadership and teambuilding, how to navigate difficult conversations, team work and collaboration, engaging constituents and community demographics and trends. Written materials include quick guides on parliamentary procedure, the Freedom of Information Act and the Open Meetings act.

 

The leadership program has more than 500 alumni.