Associate Vice Chancellor/Associate Vice President David Oliver has been strategizing a leadership development program for the Facilities/Construction Management department for quite some time. In August 2018, conversations began with Assistant Director Jacquie Vargas and Program Director Jennifer Rea on how to proceed.

The program was in the infancy stages so even a name was established: LEAD – Leadership Education and Development. Oliver had a specific vision in his head of how it would begin. He wanted to start with staff members in leadership roles.

The first phase of the program was using the DISC Assessment. Around 90 leaders from the 450 employees in the department completed the DISC behavior survey.  A workshop was then provided explaining the different styles. Team meetings for each of the four areas were then scheduled so insight could be given on how they operate, make decisions and would communicate best with each other.

The second phase of the program gave 33 individuals a thorough 360 Degree Feedback session with an Executive Coach. Each individual had feedback taken from customers, peers and supervisors. For two months, each individual received one hour of coaching to help realize strengths and areas of opportunities.

The third phase of the program enrolled 25 of those leaders in a Dale Carnegie Skills for Success program.  They had books to read, assignments to complete and met together for 8-weeks every Friday morning. It was a very engaging class and helped the leaders learn even more about each other and about themselves. Quotes from Dale Carnegie can be heard now in the hallways as people encourage each other to smile (#5 of How to Win Friends and Influence People) or begin with praise and honest appreciation (#22). “It’s a very prestigious course and requires much investment and involvement. We wanted to choose participants who were committed.” stated David Oliver.

None of the three phases were mandatory. Participants had to acknowledge they wanted to participate voluntarily.

“We are excited to have started this program and we look forward to planning for FY20. The long-term goal is to expand training opportunities to reach even more of our team members.” Mrs. Rea said.