Developing Effective Tribal Leadership Program
Two Pilot Leadership Programs in LCO in 2016 • Preparation • Identified a partner in the community – LCO College and LCO Extension • Reached out to the Tribal Governing Board for approval and guidance
First Pilot Leadership Program 1) Leadership Program Consisted 1. Real Colors 2. Conflict Negotiation 3. Communication • 3 hour sessions each, once a month for three months • 26 participants signed up • Various tribal organizations and administrative departments participated
Real Colors • Groups identified how to effectively work together • Learned their strengths and weakness • Appreciated similarities and differences
Negotiating Conflict • introduced concepts that help participants better understand conflict situations • approach conflict in a positive manner • learn negotiation skills to help people achieve agreements
Communication • introduced communication framework from “Leadership by Choice” • practiced communication and listening skills through exercises • allowed time for discussions and reflections
Second Pilot Leadership Program 1) Leadership Program Consisted 1. Seven Teachings and Real Colors 2. Communicating Across Generations 3. Communication and Conflict Management 4. Improv and Reflections • 4 hour sessions each, once a month for three months • 12 participants signed up • Various tribal organizations and administrative departments participated
Concepts of Seven Teachings The Seven Teachings in the Ojibwe culture have been traditionally passed down from generation to generation through stories and ceremonies. Historically, this has been done by the elders that carry the stories and traditions. The teachings of all Aboriginal cultures encompass the morals, values, structures, ceremonial practices, spiritual beliefs of the group. Video link to play https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sASjfNI_lD0 ( Our 7 Ojibway Teaching)
Communicating Across Generations • Utilized UW-Extension’s Curriculum on Generations • Enhanced conversations with events that influenced tribal community
Communication and Conflict Management • Explored Conflict • Introduction to Communication • Listening Skills and Importance of Questions • Tying it all together “7 Grandfather Teachings” – Adapted from “Elements from Seven Grandfather Teachings Related Workplace Relationships”, Leadership Center, Penny Tremblay.
Improv and Reflections • Goals of the Session: Interact more effectively with all personality types Understand our Emotions and improve self- awareness How to work effectively in teams Reflect on how we can become better leaders and develop mutually beneficial relationships with all kinds of personalities Think outside the box
We learned No to push agendas and schedules too hard Evening sessions were not too effective Keep sessions simple, short and interactive Surveys or homework didn’t work Not enough time was to have group conversations and reflections Short sessions did not allow us to bond with the group
Our Strengths Having a partner/teacher from the culture is very important to work with the audience External facilitators and diversity of trainers was most effective Being flexible time wise, but staying on track Providing meals Understanding that there might be tribal ceremony, family gatherings, or tribal rituals for participants to not show up – being flexible Less presentations, more activities, discussions and reflections Having culturally relevant content and materials Providing incentives to the participants (certificates, books, credits)
What to Consider Keeping the program to three sessions We consider to offer the program twice a year Develop strategies to conduct more constructive evaluations, perhaps in form of conversations Plan to have enough time for paper surveys, however this may not be as effective, as we may not get a constructive feedback Giving enough time for discussions, reflections and interactions
Evaluation R Results 66% agreed that the skills learned in the • leadership program have increased their leadership abilities Roughly 56% feel more confident in their • abilities as a leader as a result of attending this program.
Effective Evaluation/conversations • We will work on getting better evaluation methods including discussions, reflections, storytelling and feedback • We will keep surveys (if any) short
Miigwich!
Recommend
More recommend
