In the third ELI session, participants explored team management and the crucial role of a "guiding coalition" for lasting organizational change. Insights from Elevate Rapid City CEO Tom Johnson and Mayor Jason Salamun provided valuable perspectives on leadership, management, and team understanding.
Building a Strong Team
The discussion centered on creating a "guiding coalition" within a team, with participants learning strategies for effective collaboration and navigating challenges collectively. Recognizing the importance of teamwork, the session emphasized the need for a united and efficient group to drive positive change.
Leadership vs. Management
Tom Johnson highlighted the differences between leadership and management, stressing the importance of "knowing your people" for effective communication and building lasting relationships. Practical strategies shared in the session empowered participants to enhance their leadership skills in daily scenarios.
City Hall Insights
ELI participants toured City Hall, gaining insights from Mayor Jason Salamun about his leadership journey. The mayor emphasized the challenges of time in leadership and the importance of cultivating a vision and values-based culture. Mayor Salamun encouraged participants to ask critical questions to guide their vision continually.
"Mayor Salamun's discussion on the importance of vision made me take a step back and consider my personal and professional vision so that I can stay grounded while simultaneously pushing forward," mentioned ELI participant Reece Weber.
Reflection and Emotional Intelligence
Following their time with Tom Johnson and Mayor Salamun, ELI participants engaged in reflective discussions, relating newfound insights to previous learnings. The group specifically explored emotional intelligence skills essential for constructing a robust guiding coalition.
Reece expressed his gratitude saying: "This session provided me with multiple tools, tips, and practices that I can use tomorrow, and every day after, to become a more effective leader in my professional endeavors."
ELI continues to provide invaluable lessons in team management and leadership. As participants apply these insights to their professional journeys, they leave equipped with practical tools and a deeper understanding of building and leading successful teams. The program fosters growth in leadership skills and emphasizes the importance of team understanding for sustained success.