Faculty conference emphasizes leadership

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The Leadership Excellence Series for present and aspiring leaders started Thursday morning.

A group of more than 30 participants gathered in Rowe Hall Room 229 for “Foundations of Leadership,” a conference for Central Michigan University employees to improve their leadership skills.

Harley Blake, assistant director of strategy and organizational development in Human Resources, said many employees have attended the conference in the past.

“This event is for any supervisor or aspiring leader on campus who wants to make a difference in people’s lives,” she said.

This year’s eight-week series will be the 17th time Human Resources has provided leadership education. The sessions will be held every Thursday for the next eight weeks.

All rankings of authority are encouraged to attend, ranging from secretaries to vice presidents, and everyone is encouraged towards the same steps in furthering their leadership experience.

“I love it. I enjoy it the most of any event we have, and I like interacting with people,” Blake said.

The first session, Foundations of Supervision, focused on interpersonal relationships and how to explore the core values, behaviors and characteristics of great leaders and supervisors.

Maxine Kent, associate vice president of Human Resources, spoke on building leadership into the vision and mission of the university, and in the participants’ profession and life goals.

Discussions centered on what it takes to be a leader. Teamwork, mentoring, involvement and communication were just a few values that the participants discussed.

Jessica Gardon Rose, director of clinical services at Carl’s Center for Clinical Care and Education, was in attendance Thursday. She said she hopes to learn how to better incorporate her teaching with the overall plan of the university.

“I’m hoping to learn how to align the education and clinical care center with the university’s goals and mission,” she said.

Rose said she wants to further nurturing and expanding the common vision of the university to others.

David Burdette, vice president of finance and administrative services, also spoke, offering ideas and concepts in furthering a career in leadership in the workforce.

Nate Holmes, human resources assistant for strategy and organizational development, said the program is a great stepping-stone in leadership.

“I’m hoping this will help to train the current workforce and take them all to the next step in leading,” he said.

news@cm-life.com