Have you ever worked on a project that just seemed charmed from the very beginning? I've had the supremely satisfying experience of working on Bergen LEADS before there WAS a Bergen LEADS - when it was just a random idea thrown out in casual conversation.
Fast forward less than two years (and a lot of hard work and planning) later, and we've got a solid program that's really going to inspire and inform the very people we need to lead Bergen County forward in the coming years.
Bergen LEADS officially began with an Opening Retreat this past Monday, and it was an amazing couple of days. Members of the Bergen LEADS Class of 2009 descended upon the Park Ridge Marriott at 2 pm to begin their year-long adventure. Since these are people who have only met once - and who will be spending a lot of time together - we started off with introductions. Every person brought an object with them - something that helped them to describe who they were to the other people in the group. Turns out, we have a couple of Red Sox fans (and a closet Mets fan - but don't tell the Yankees fans in the bunch!), a needlepointer, an artist, a mountain biker, a runner, a couple of dog lovers, a gardener and a Girl Scout.
Regardless of vocation or avocation, every single person was so excited to be there and ready to start LEADing - you could literally feel the energy in the room.
Over the course of two days, local leaders spoke to us about a variety of issues - ethical leadership, the reality of life in suburbia, County demographics and trends, history and knowing "where you came from," and a primer on economics and how people make choices. A terrific panel of leaders spoke about their views on leadership, then spent time speaking informally with small groups of class members. We wrapped up the day by listing all of the themes and threads that we want to follow as we move through Issue Days - and there are a LOT of themes: technology, transportation, economic development, immigration and social concerns like poverty, hunger and homelessness.
It was a great way to start the year, and I can't wait to see what the coming months bring. I am so happy and excited to be a part of this wonderful program!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
I still can't believe I forgot a water treatment plant and a farm!! Hopefully good leaders learn from their mistakes.
What a coincidence,
I was just looking at my notes to see what the next assignment was.
I can not wait for the next assignment/meeting.
You are right it is a very energetic group.
It has a been a while since I was in school but I'm looking forward to the next assignment.
I have been trying to think through shared services with other non-profits in an effort to reduce expenses so this was very helpful.
The exposure to new people, thinking and opportunities has already been worth it.
Post a Comment