CPS 002 - Leadership Boot Camp for Elected Officials
Course Description
You committed yourself to the rigors of a political campaign – and the sacrifices of time and privacy that come with serving as a local elected official – because you want to make a real difference in your community. Now’s the time to think about what winning really means – and how to make the most of it.
Once elected, it’s not all congratulatory messages from friends and neighbors. People who’ve known you for years will start treating you differently. Citizens will expect you to master the details of every issue, and attend every public event in town.
You’ll endure seemingly endless meetings, eye-straining staff reports, and countless hours of public testimony. You’ll face the challenges of working with strong-minded, passionate colleagues. They, too, are elected independently, striving to make good decisions – just like you.
PSU’s Center for Public Service is offering a one-day “Leadership Boot Camp” especially designed to help you navigate these and other challenges and opportunities as an elected official.
What You Cover
As quickly as possible, help you to shine in your exciting new role as a Local Government Official. The topics covered in this one-day, intensive workshop include:
- Opportunities and Constraints: Understanding your role(s) as an elected board member;
- Ground Rules: Forging effective working relationships with elected colleagues;
- Your New Best Friend: Constructing an appropriate, working relationship with your city manager/county administrator;
- Lines that Matter: The key differences between policy and implementation;
- Effective Delegation: How to work with other boards, task forces, and advisory groups;
- Within the Fishbowl: Representing yourself and your board in public settings;
- Effective meetings: Everyone’s responsibility, not just the presiding officer’s;
- Keeping Faith with your Voters: Effectively promoting your own priorities;
- Building Consensus: How you can – and when you shouldn’t try.