Join The Leadership Journey!

Applications are now being accepted for the second DCL Leadership Journey class. This class begins in early 2010 and ends in late 2011. Applications are due to Art Glover, Associate Director of Human Resources, by end of business on Friday, December 11, 2009. What is the Leadership Journey? It is a two-year leadership development program that DCL employees can apply for. The program will develop employees for future leadership opportunities within DCL. It does not guarantee a future leadership position with DCL, but the program will help employees prepare for leadership positions as supervisors, managers, or directors. It will also help employees prepare for positions where leading projects is required. Why was the Leadership Journey program created? DCLs Human Resources department has created a talent management process to prepare employees for future leadership positions at DCL. What are the benefits of participating in the program? This is an excellent chance for participants to develop their leadership skills and to enhance their current strengths. Participants will obtain formal coaching from DCL leaders and outside facilitators/experts. Participants will obtain informal coaching and mentoring from fellow coworkers in the program. The program will provide participants with confidence building opportunities. Participants will have a change to become better prepared for potential future leadership roles with DCL. The program is an excellent job enrichment opportunity for participants. Participants will receive special career enhancing work project opportunities.

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What subjects will be covered during the first year of the Leadership Journey? After applicants are accepted into the program, the first year will begin with an all-day retreat on Friday, February 26, 2010. Classes and learning seminars will take place on the third Wednesday of most months, March though November 2010. See the program outline for 2010-2011 for more details and dates. Applicants must be sure they are available for all dates. Readings, blogs, DCL classes and outside classes will be required. The first years subjects will include (among others) personal productivity, emotional intelligence, change management, big-picture thinking, and social styles. Participants will be paid at their regular pay rate for all required activities. What are the expectations of Leadership Journey participants? Participants must attend all sessions. Participants must complete a leadership log completely and on time. Participants must be prepared to participate in all class discussions, activities and exercises, and to do all required reading and blogging. Participants must be committed to learning as much as possible during this journey. Participants will be expected to communicate and meet regularly with their assigned mentor. Participants must commit to actively pursing and working on special projects during the second year of the program.

Who is eligible to apply? All DCL employees who are not currently holding a Manager title are eligible to apply. Supervisors and Department Heads may apply, as well as any other DCL employee (other than Managers), if they meet the following criteria: Applicants should have at least one year of service with DCL by December 31, 2009. There can be no disciplinary action in the employees personnel file. Applicants must have prior approval from their direct supervisor to apply.

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Who can give you a good overview of the program and what is required, and the benefits of the program? Our first class of Leadership Journey members is finishing up their journey! Feel free to contact them with questions. They are ready and willing to offer their input! They are: Amy Bowler (CAP); Colbe Galston (PA); Leslie Good (ROX); Kathy Johnson (HI); Elizabeth Kelsen-Huber (COM REL); Deb Margeson (PSM COLLECTION DEV.); Cecily North (PSM DCHRC); Becky Spilver (ROX); Carol Wagstaff (TRAINING); and Liz Williams (PA). You can also speak with Art Glover or with Missy Shock about any questions you may have. What is the application process? Applicants must submit the following required items by end of business on Friday, December 11, 2009 to Art Glover (an electronic copy submitted via email or a typed hard copy will be accepted): 1. An updated resume 2. A cover letter addressing the following questions: Why are you a good candidate for DCLs Leadership Journey program? How have you exhibited leadership capabilities and experiences in the past (job experiences, school, personal experiences) What would you like to learn about leadership? What leadership opportunities would you like to see addressed at DCL and how might you play a part in finding solutions?

3. A paper detailing the following: Write about a public figure (alive or deceased) or someone in your personal life (alive or deceased) that inspired you from a leadership perspective. What was/is this persons leadership philosophy? Give detailed examples. What about this persons leadership style and philosophy inspired you and others? Why? What have you learned from this persons leadership style and philosophy?

The paper should be at least 500 words, and no more than 750 words.

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Also, all applicants are required to attend a special all-day training class called Supervision Is it For Me? The class will be offered on Thursday, December 3, 2009 at PSM. Applicants should register for the class immediately on DCLs course scheduler on the Staff Exchange. The final candidates will be interviewed and asked to participate in a special panel discussion during an assessment process. Final candidates will be chosen in January 2010 (date to be announced). If you have questions about the application requirements, please see Art Glover or Missy Shock. Good luck applicants!

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