Every municipal organization in Georgia, whether it is an individual city or the Georgia Municipal Association, must have outstanding leadership at the top. Mayors, council members and city officials must be skilled in both the world of politics and the practice of policy formulation. Meeting the municipal leadership challenge requires stronger analytical skills, better strategic planning, improved communications, and a stronger bottom line orientation from key municipal officials.
The Georgia Municipal Association, in cooperation with The University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government, established The Leadership Institute for Georgia Municipal Elected Officials, now known as The Robert E. Knox, Jr. Municipal Leadership Institute, to serve as the focal point for the leadership development of municipal officials. The Leadership Institute serves the same purpose for cities as an executive development program would provide for a major corporation. The approach is grounded in practicality but brings in basic concepts of management, behavioral science and political science. The program instructors are selected on the basis of their knowledge of the subject area and their ability to communicate that aspect of leadership to participants. It is an opportunity that GMA and The University of Georgia offer for municipal officials to better prepare themselves to meet the challenges of public service.
The Leadership Institute examines three aspects of local government leadership.
Individual Leadership
The Leadership Institute provides a number of opportunities for participants to examine their own approach to situations and people. Each person in encouraged to reflect on their own style, relative to the circumstances and individuals in their city. Those who participate represent different parts of Georgia, points of view and kinds of experiences. This rich diversity provides many occasions for increased personal awareness and feedback.
Council and Commission Leadership
The Institute looks at each individual’s responsibility for taking initiative and exercising leadership as a contributing member of their city. Participants explore skills related to consensus building, managing situations where there is a diversity of opinions, disagreements and conflict. There is an opportunity to develop means for assessing effectiveness and for establishing a more cohesive city team.
Community Leadership
Building and maintaining community partnerships and coalitions are emphasized. Participants also examine the broader issue of governance within a statewide context in order to more effectively represent their community and GMA on policy issues affecting local government in Georgia.
This course is an intensive two and a half day seminar that focuses on helping mayors and council members enhance and sharpen their leadership skills. Interaction and exchange of ideas with other municipal officials is one of the most valuable aspects of the Leadership Institute. This year, the course will be offered at the Hilton Marietta Hotel and Conference Center, in a setting removed from the daily pressures of public office, there is time to reflect, to listen, to share and to learn. Enrollment is limited so that participants can have a full exchange of ideas with faculty and other municipal officials. The Leadership Institute seminar is required for municipal officials to receive a Certificate of Excellence.
The Robert E. Knox, Jr. Municipal Leadership Institute begins the afternoon of Wednesday, September 15 and goes through noon on Saturday, September 17, 2010. The registration fee for the program is $500.00. The registration fee includes the cost of instructional materials, meals, and refreshment breaks. You will also be responsible for your housing costs of $119 per night.
Enrollment for the Robert E. Knox, Jr. Municipal Leadership Institute is limited. If you are interested, please return the application as soon as possible, so we can ensure a place for you. If you have any questions please call Janice Eidson at 678/686-6256 or Kitty Shollenberger at 706/542-9523.