A combination of general programs, breakout sessions and networking opportunities offered a wealth of information on servant leadership, communications, civic engagement, diversity and innovation.

The morning kicked-off with an inspiring presentation by Lou Nanni, Vice President of University Relations for Notre Dame.  Nanni emphasized three key areas to close the gaps in our global society: 

(1)   Focus on being faithful (to what gives you meaning and joy), not successful

(2)   Displace yourself (go out of your comfort zone)

(3)   Remember service is a privilege, not a responsibility.

“Service is a spirit,” said Nanni.  “Being a servant leader is tough day in and day out.  It doesn’t mean to be weak.  It means holding yourself and others to higher standards.  Leadership is best when it is given, not when it is sought after.  Seek to be a servant, more than a leader.”

Nanni closed with the following thoughts: “Everybody is in search of meaning and joy in their lives.  Success does not lie in what we achieve; it lies in the effort and example we give every day.”

Another motivational speaker full of enthusiasm was Phil Newbold, President/CEO of Memorial Hospital/Health System in South Bend.   An individual who has developed several innovative creations in the healthcare field, Newbold outlined the keys to innovation:

(1)   Take “Innovisits” (site visits to other places)

(2)   Remember that big ideas attract big resources

(3)   Become good at rapid prototypes

(4)   Realize it’s not always about  high-tech solutions

(5)   Become a “test organization”

(6)   Think carefully about spaces and environments

Newbold encouraged participants to immerse themselves in the issue and be ready to show results and demonstrate effectiveness.

 Imagine what it would be like if more local people were charged up and inspired to build an extraordinary community, possessed the desire and confidence to assume new leadership roles and were empowered to make sound decisions and achieve strategic goals they truly understood. Leadership Whitley County provides the tools to reach these goals through a program designed to educate and inform local residents and employers about the functions and challenges of social issues and other topics relating to the future direction of Whitley County, Indiana.

The program is built upon the belief that local residents are best suited to create a vision for their community and should be empowered to do so. From homemakers to company owners, Leadership Whitley County provides networking opportunities and skill building activities for a variety of individuals. These assets can then be carried back to homes and workplaces, resulting in a positive experience for all who are touched by the LWC program.

Servant leadership, as defined by Webster’s Dictionary, Second Edition, is “a person employed to perform services for another” (servant) and “the position of guidance of others” (leadership).   But, to those individuals who serve as alumni and current participants of Leadership Whitley County, servant leadership is much more. It composes an attitude of humility, provides an example of integrity, recognizes servant intentions, builds upon the importance of respect for others, and responds to guidance. People feel served when they have been valued, trusted, supported, respected, challenged, rewarded, inspired and appreciated.

Servant leadership is the design for people to give back to themselves, individuals and their community. It involves character, truth, integrity and standing behind your word. It is not demonstrated by what you say, but by what you do. Effective Leadership starts on the inside. Are you prepared to be a servant leader for your community?

Leadership Whitley County would like to extend their appreciation to the alumni and most recent class of the program who have dedicated their time and effort to making Whitley County a better place to live. A sincere thank-you goes out to the business and industry of our community who have supported this program and its goals.

As Frances Hesselbein of the Drucker Foundation said, “The future, whatever it brings, needs leaders at every level who focus on the spirit within and their commitment to the common good.”

Leadership Whitley County provides the opportunity for those living and working in Whitley County to make a positive contribution to their community and garner self-improvement, both personally and professionally. The future of the community is in your hands…are you ready?

For more information on LWC, contact Kelley Sheiss, LWC Program Director, at 213-4045 or via e-mail at 3dsheiss@gmail.com Visit Leadership Whitley County’s website at www.leadershipwc.org or on Facebook.

Following are several comments from Class 9 LWC graduates:

“I feel very thankful and blessed to have been a participant in Leadership Whitley County. At the outset I was skeptical and wary, but I quickly learned how unfounded my fears had been. I think this is a great program and I would highly recommend it to anyone.”

“I think the projects are a great thing and a good avenue for making a difference and putting this program into practice. The domestic violence task force was born and is accomplishing a purpose.”

“These sessions were really satisfying, motivating and left me feeling like I could make differences in the community and at work. Thanks!”

“The program was well structured and professionally done. Great line-up of speakers!”

“I believe LWC has helped me have the courage to change and the courage to grow. I want to make a difference!”

Leadership Whitley County provides the ideal opportunity to make a positive difference at work, home and in the community. Employers who are seeking leadership or management training for their employees should take advantage of this quality program and consider supporting targeted individuals for participation. The combination of community awareness and vital soft skill topics offers an affordable and beneficial continuing education opportunity that provides a return on investment in the form of personal and professional growth. Participants will miss one half plus one full day of work for the September retreat, with remaining sessions occurring on the third Thursday of each month and concluding at 1:30 p.m. These monthly half-day sessions allow for employees to plan accordingly and return to work in the afternoon. Tuition to the program is $600, which includes all meals and materials. There is no travel or lodging expenses. Interested in learning more about Leadership Whitley County or desire to participate? Check out LWC’s website at www.leadershipwc.org or contact Kelley Sheiss at 213-4045 or via e-mail at 3dsheiss@gmail.com. All applicants must be submitted by the end of June and tuition is due in full by September 1. A limited number of participants will be accepted, so plan to apply today! ###

The successful development of a local domestic violence task force was one of the community action project teams in this year's LWC class. Pictured are (left to right): John Black, Megan Burr, Sherry Sausaman, Michelle Linn and Angela Green

The 2009-10 Class of Leadership Whitley County convened at Northeastern REMC this month to conclude their seven month servant leadership experience with a meaningful session that would start them on a journey to discover their passions and personal missions.  The final session of LWC for this year was sponsored by CenturyLink.

 The morning began with presentations made by class members who served on three Community Action Teams.  During the program’s retreat in September, individuals “voted with their feet” to determine what was needed and important to our community.  Based on this process, three project teams were developed.   The first team was composed of Sherry Sausaman, John Black, Angela Green, Michelle Linn and Megan Burr.  This team provided an update on the development and progress of a local domestic violence task force.  The task force meets monthly and has been instrumental in increasing the awareness and prevention of domestic violence in our community.  The second team focused on promoting community events and has communicated with the Chamber of Commerce regarding placemats with current event information.  Team members were Carrie Hoffman, Bob Sollazzo, Robin Elsner, Diana Smith, Angela Maley and Betty Graves.   The third team announced they were working with the Columbia City Parks Department to investigate the possibility of an electronic sign that could provide local information and promote local events.   Team members were Mike Petersen, Zach Beard, Belinda Hawn, Jim Landrum, Kyle Egolf, Patty Weybright, Mike Cook and Carrie Garrison.

 The primary topic for the day was “Mapquest for Life.  A Personal Mission Statement as Your Roadmap” presented by David Neidert.  Neidert is a very well known and highly respected writer, presenter, faith leader, and mentor for leadership programs throughout the country.   This is the ninth year David Neidert has served as a facilitator for LWC, and he continues to be a class favorite, making a meaningful impact on individuals and the program as a whole. 

 Participants spent the morning focusing on the elements for creating a personal mission statement, values, goal-setting and accountability.  Group activities and individual work sessions provided lively and thought-provoking discussion. 

 The support of local business, industry and organizations is key to the success of Leadership Whitley County.  Sponsors for the 2009-10 year include:  CenturyLink, NIPSCO, Old Settler’s Day Association, J & J Insurance, Northeastern REMC Operation Round-Up, Star Financial Bank & Star Insurance, ABCM Enterprises Inc., Pro Fed Credit Union  and LWC Alumni June Keiser, Ava Lillmars, Tam Parker, Tom Rethlake, Janet Scank, R.D. Schrader, John Slavich, Esther Smith, Jeff Walker, Melinda Woll.  This support, financial and/or in-kind, serves as a key to success for offering quality programs that compose the core of Leadership Whitley County.

LWC Class 9 members (from left) Mike Cook of The City of Columbia City, Kyle Egolf of The Center and Jim Landrum of Star Financial Bank listen intently during the February session on conflict management and facilitation

Amidst the snowy, icy days of January and February, Leadership Whitley County class members braved the elements to attend monthly sessions focusing on Public Speaking and Conflict Management.   The January session, which was held at Peabody Public Library, featured Dr. Bill Utesch of IPFW working with class members on practical public speaking, easing fears and understanding personalities via an entertaining and enlightening animal personality exercise.     Following a review of presentation techniques, participants broke into small groups and practiced short speeches which were evaluated by fellow team members.    A media panel provided the community awareness portion of the session.    Ruth Stanley of The Post and Mail, Teresa Smith of The South Whitley Tribune News, Chris Tomlinson of the Busco Voice and Jennifer Zartman-Romano of Talk of the Town spoke with the class about their media outlets while providing tips on how to work effectively with local media.

The class traveled to the South Whitley Library in February to focus on conflict management and facilitation.  The day’s session was sponsored by Pro Fed Credit Union.

Prior to the main program, school board members representing the two of the county’s three school corporations spoke to the class regarding their roles and responsibilities as well as opportunities and challenges facing the individual corporations.   Mike Sturgis of Smith-Green Community Schools and Don Armstrong of Whitley County Consolidated Schools offered valuable and interesting insight in the role of serving as a school board member.   The panel encouraged class members to consider running for the elected position.   Board members discussed financial challenges, growth opportunities and legislative issues with the class, followed by a detailed question and answer period.

Mike Stone of Impact Strategies and Lee Ray of Tuthill Corporation in Fort Wayne facilitated the main session focusing on conflict management and effective facilitation.  Class members participated in interactive discussion focusing on effective group behavior, facilitation roles and conflict management.    Participants used real-life examples to explore the role of conflict in our lives, and how it can ultimately provide a win-win situation provided there is compromise and consensus.  

The final session for this class of Leadership Whitley County will be on March 18 at the Northeastern REMC offices and feature David Neidert of Anderson University speaking on Personal Mission.  The class celebration is slated for April 28 at the Eagles Nest Event Center. 

The support of local business, industry and organizations is key to the success of Leadership Whitley County.  Sponsors for the 2009-10 year include:  CenturyLink, NIPSCO, Old Settler’s Day Association, J & J Insurance, Northeastern REMC Operation Round-Up, Star Financial Bank & Star Insurance, ABCM Enterprises Inc., Pro Fed Credit Union  and LWC Alumni June Keiser, Ava Lillmars, Tam Parker, Tom Rethlake, Janet Scank, R.D. Schrader, John Slavich, Esther Smith, Jeff Walker, Melinda Woll.  This support, financial and/or in-kind, serves as a key to success for offering quality programs that compose the core of Leadership Whitley County. 

Applications are now being accepted for LWC Class 10 which will start in September.  For more information on participating in the next class of Leadership Whitley County, supporting the program, or having an informational presentation made to your business or organization, contact Kelley Sheiss, Program Director, at 799-4045 or 3dsheiss@gmail.  More information on Leadership Whitley County can be found at www.leadershipwc.org.