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Where
LEAD Can Lead You! by Sheryl E. Clinger, Training Coordinator, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Soil & Water Conservation, Columbus, Ohio, and member of LEAD Class IX. The LEAD Class IX has now met the nine-month mark and we are moving forward on the fast track! As I think back to our first institute in January 2002, I recall a feeling of excitement, curiosity, and a bit of anxiety. I was looking forward to learning about where the next 18-months of my professional development would “lead” me. The good news is that I am enjoying the LEAD program, especially all of the learning opportunities that I have had through this program. The LEAD program certainly has a way of opening doors to new contacts, and partnerships. As I have heard many people say, “It is what you put into the program …is what you get out of the program.” The contact with and involvement of the LEAD alumni is helpful, and their involvement in our institutes as speakers, coordinators, and recruiters for the classes has allowed me to meet many leaders. Learning Opportunities Our class has had learning opportunities on dealing with the media, the intense world of the Chicago Board of Trade, discussions with various leaders in different fields, and insight on the state, and national political process. Each class has involved topics that impact current and future agricultural issues which, as a leader is important. It is interesting meeting leaders of different companies such as Dick Anderson, president of The Andersons. Our meeting with Dick allowed us to learn more about the vision and story of The Andersons. What a great example of simple principals, and values, which Dick applied to his vision for his organization that has allowed him to diversify his business. On the personal side, I have been impressed with the diversity of our class. Each person brings different ideas and concepts to the table, which makes for rich discussion. The ability for networking with other leaders has been great! Relationships that are built through the LEAD institutes will continue for a long time, and will greatly impact each of us as we continue to put into action all that we have learned from the institutes. Leadership Perspectives The LEAD experience allows participants to view leadership on a local, state, national and international level. Our next institute is in Hawaii, to learn about how another state develops agricultural leadership. Even though we are meeting in a beautiful place, this experience is certainly not a vacation. While in Hawaii, our class will get to explore and learn more about, a macadamia nut operation and farm, Volcano National Park, Holualo, which is a coffee farm, an original Hawaiian chocolate farm, banana plantation, a vanilla vineyard, and pineapple fields. Learning about different types of agri-businesses from another perspective will greatly impact our leadership development. A large portion of the planning has been done with the LEAD class from Hawaii. The international trip for Class IX will take us to Europe in June 2003. Life long learning is the key for leaders and for me - the LEAD program has become a very important part of my development! The best way to grow an organization is to grow people, since the best resources are human resources! Applications for the next LEAD classes will be available soon; I encourage everyone to become involved in this wonderful leadership development opportunity. For more information on the Ohio LEAD Program or to submit a candidate nomination on-line go to the web at: http://ohiolead.osu.edu |
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