Activities

Center for Innovation and Information

Leadership Institute at the University of Delaware News From The Inside 2007 -- Kari Amidon

Tuesday 1-31-07 - Day Two: Reflection and Brainstorming

Much of the second day of classes at the University of Delaware was devoted to individual and small group discussion. The opportunity to openly and honestly assess the results of one’s Leadership Practices Inventory, reflect in one’s journal and discuss the key issues facing one’s organization led to many engaging and substantive discussions throughout the day.

In looking at the challenges each student faces, the diversity of the issues and unique talents and contributions of the participants was obvious. Individuals within my own group embodied a broad range of experience and perspectives… some have been in the field for almost 20 years, some for less than a year and still others have chartered into new territory creating “virtual offices,” assisting individuals when and where they need it. The impact the Institute is having on some participants was clearly seen by the question, “We say we are person-centered but yet we continue to open up new group homes. What is it we truly believe?”

Despite these differing perspectives, the group is coming together, debating and being candid with one another in ways they may not do otherwise at home. This spirit of collaboration and cooperation is something each participant feels encouraged by.

How such discussions will transform our thoughts and lead us down new and uncharted paths remains to be seen. However, this much is clear… the participants at the Winter Leadership are challenging one another and “thinking outside the box” with the intent of achieving the same goal—supporting individuals with disabilities in the communities of their choice.

Monday 1-30-07 - First Day of Classes Present Unique Challenges for Participants

Excitement and anticipation were in the air as students and faculty gathered at 7:45am to begin the first day of classes at the Winter Leadership Institute.

The first session of the day proved emotional as the history of the disability field was depicted in an often graphic manner. Footage of previous institutions and the legacy they have had on both individuals with disabilities and the general public led to the day’s first discussion. Faculty noted the important role leaders play in assisting individuals and organizations in making a smooth transition to  make whenever there is a major shift in thinking, such as when massive de-institutionalization occurred and the opportunities leaders have to impact and ensure there is a smooth transition were commonly noted.

Further discussion as to how this sense of history and place could infuse the disabilities movement with more energy and power were interwoven into many of the comments and dovetailed nicely into the next area of discussion—values.

ANCOR CEO Renee Pietrangelo provided an interactive and engaging session where students could not only discuss the role values play within their respective organizations but also evaluate the effectiveness of their organizations in living these values. Much of the discussion focused on finding the correct people who embody those values, being uncompromising in adhering to those values and the ultimate challenges all leaders, regardless of experience, face when attempting to engender the values set forth by the organization.

The morning sessions provided a helpful foundation for the work at hand but could no way prepare participants for what was to come…the Leadership simulation.

Students were quickly divided into small groups whereby they were faced with a specific problem and asked to reach consensus on the specific actions necessary to address the challenge ahead. Faculty observed the groups and noted individual behaviors throughout the session. The session was also videotaped and played back for participants to view their behavior throughout this group discussion.

To many, this 45-minute session seemed to last forever! However, by the end of the session, each of the groups had reached consensus and felt a tremendous sense of accomplish at having resolved the task at hand.

Watching the video footage of one’s group often proved humbling and insightful. The positive reinforcement and active coaching afterwards, though, was appreciated and left many with a clear understanding of how they could improve their interpersonal skills when they return home.

How the remainder of the Winter Institute will unfold and what other challenges will arise remain to be seen, but a clear sense of camaraderie has been developed among the participants at the Institute.

Sunday Jan. 28, 2007 - Opening Day of the Winter Leadership Institute

Approximately 25 students and 10 faculty gathered for the official kick off of the 2007 Winter Leadership Institute sponsored by the University of Delaware, ANCOR Foundation, and the Council on Quality and Leadership.

Steve Eidelman and Nancy Weiss of the National Consortium on Disabilities welcomed participants to this week-long event designed to connect emerging leaders in the disabilities field with the knowledge, resources and mentors necessary for their successful development in an ever changing field.

After a series of lively and often humorous introductions, participants outlined the key items they hoped to achieve from this week-long event. Themes ranged from the practical to the philosophical, including:

• Specific ideas to take home and implement within my organization
• Creating a national network of peers whom I can count on
• The ability to effectively debate and problem-solve some of the issues in my agency
• The ability to understand the history of the disabilities field
• The ability to debate and discuss the future of the disabilities field

Whatever their hopes for this week-long event, one thing is clear… the Winter Leadership Institute will prove to be an engaging and challenging environment for participants and faculty alike.

Throughout the week, providers will hear from practitioners, self-advocates and other leading experts in the disabilities field. Ideas will be generated, debated, and differing points of view will come to the forefront. All of this is good. All of this is necessary. And all of this needs to happen now. If it is one theme which was pervasive throughout the night, it was that this industry is changing but is not changing quickly for many.

How this sentiment will play out in the week ahead is still a topic for debate but stay tuned for tomorrow’s update on what the first day of classes at the 2007 Leadership Institute were like from one of the participants at the University of Delaware…

NOTE: For additional information on the Winter Leadership Institute, see official conference brochure at http://www.udel.edu/cds/leadership_2007institute.html