Leadership DHHS Gets Positive Reviews

In the October 2005 edition of the DHHS Employee Newsletter, you learned about Leadership DHHS, a six-session training series created by the DHHS Steering Committee on Succession Planning now offered to department employees demonstrating leadership potential. The first three classes of Leadership DHHS were held in Raleigh and covered such issues as individual communications styles, dealing with the media and the General Assembly, and emerging issues facing the department. In addition to presentations and discussions of topics of interest, participants are expected to work collaboratively in small groups to address particular challenges they face in the work environment or that face the department as a whole.

In December, Secretary Carmen Hooker-Odom spent almost an hour with the group, telling them know how pleased she is to have a program such as Leadership DHHS because developing future leaders is critical to the future of the department. She thanked participants not only for being part of the program but also for their dedication to public service. For most participants this was their first time experience interacting with the Secretary and asking her questions about her vision for the department and the Leadership DHHS program.

To date comments about the program have been very positive.

Asa Fleming with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services commented: “I am pleased to be a part of the first Leadership DHHS program. I have already benefited from the Communication Styles Assessment done at the first session. It enabled me to look at my personal communicating style, and made me aware of how to communicate with others. I feel fortunate to be involved, and I know this program will benefit me in the future.”

Heather Laffler with the Division of Child Development, commented: "So far, I've very much enjoyed the Leadership DHHS sessions. . . . . all in all . . . it's been a very valuable and productive endeavor, and a GREAT opportunity to meet folks from other divisions and learn more about what they and their agencies do and the issues they're dealing with."

Three more classes will complete the series for the “inaugural” Class of ‘06. As mentioned previously, attendants will participate in a series of presentations from current leaders within the department as well as elsewhere in state government and perhaps the private sector. Each presentation will be followed by discussion and questions and answers to allow participants to relate their own experiences on the topic. Participants will also work in teams on particular challenges or problem areas to develop solutions and recommendations. It is hoped the sessions will provide participants with skills and knowledge to learn more about their own leadership styles and capabilities. Graduation is scheduled for April 19 with attendance from department senior management expected.

Leadership DHHS is just a start, and the succession planning steering committee will continue to meet monthly to look at more IDEAs to address departmental human resource and leadership needs now and in the future. Please share your ideas and suggestions with the following members of the steering committee: Linda Povlich, Office of the Secretary; Kathy Gruer, Human Resources; Sandra Trivett, Office of Policy and Planning; Libby Robb, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services; Mark Prakke, Division of Information Resource Management; Jeff Horton, Division of Facility Services; Steve Hairston, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services; or Dwight Pearson, Office of Education Services.

Next story

Last Modified: January 30, 2006