Line staff are now participating in a new leadership training class designed specifically for non supervisors. The approach is part of a five-year program to start training leaders from the ground up. "We’re changing the culture of the department and this training is the next step," said Director Patricia Caruso. "You may not see yourself as a leader

Michelle Gregory and Bob Platte assess their leadership skills.

but we see you as one."

The Leading Others program emphasizes the opportunities all staff have to lead every day regardless of their title. At the same time, it provides the department’s future supervisors and managers with an opportunity to learn some positive leadership concepts before they are actually placed in a supervisory role.

From left: Chris Olden, Mike Montgomery and Dawn McCune cover leadership topics at the day-long training.

"The idea is to teach individuals about leadership because they are all leaders in some regard and we recognize that many will go on to become formal leaders," said Mike Montgomery, Leadership Training Coordinator.

Successfully changing the culture of the department means permeating the entire organization, so the training will be most effective if it is delivered at all levels even if that means making it mandatory.

By year end, all eligible staff will have participated in Leading Others training.

"Sometimes the people who don’t want to go are those who need it the most," said Montgomery. "We often underestimate how much influence our personal positive or negative behavior has on those around us and the overall work atmosphere."

Rather than place the responsibility on others, staff are encouraged to look at their own conduct and to use a constructive or proactive approach if they see room for change.

One of the topics covered in the new eight-hour course is informal leadership. Everyone can recognize the formal leadership that accompanies a position of authority. Your boss tells you what to do and you do it. However, often overlooked is the value of informal leadership exhibited by many line staff, secretaries and first-line supervisors. This type of influence stems from personal power which is based on personal characteristics such as integrity and reliability. Staff who are well respected by their co-workers and supervisors may not realize that they have a great deal of influence within the department.

"Every single person has a significant impact on what happens in this organization," said Montgomery. "This leadership program is intended to help department staff recognize that fact and then develop the courage to act on it."

Michigan Department of Corrections FYI 021606