Effective leadership is one factor necessary for success within today’s communities and organizations. Knowing one’s own leadership skills and characteristics is a critical starting point; without interpersonal leadership knowledge, it is difficult to understand what effective leadership looks like within an interpersonal, organizational, or community context. Many of the great leadership programs throughout Kentucky are focused on community resources available within the community. Fewer focus on the individuals as leaders in the workplace, in the community, or in their homes. 

The Grayson County Chamber of Commerce Board President reached out to the Grayson County Extension Service to fill a gap that she was seeing in local businesses; Knowledge and skills needed by leaders and managers to properly train and retain good employees. The Extension Service responded by developing a program specifically for the members of the Grayson County Chamber of Commerce entitled LEAD with Extension, utilizing the KELD (Kentucky Extension Leadership Development) curriculum. All program area agents were involved in the development and implementation of the monthly program from January 2020 – May 2020.  

Classes were held monthly with an average of 27 people attending 5 sessions. The last 2 sessions were adapted and offered online via the meeting platform Zoom due to concerns related to COVID-19. This negatively impacted participation numbers, but participants were grateful for the adaptation and the opportunity to continue their learning through such an unprecedented time.

Statistically significant gains in ability were reported across all 16 measures.  Specifically noting 100% of participants increased ability at the conclusion of the program in the following areas: comparing how genders can express leadership differently; recognizing and distinguishing between generation’s characteristics and values; analyzing how changes and events in society have influenced generational perspectives; examining how generational values are reflected in family, work, and social behaviors; and knowing how to favorably make a first impression. Additionally, across all modules, 95% of participants reported that they could use the ideas and skills learned to either a moderate extent or a great extent.  Finally, the success of a program can often be measured in words, following the program one participant expressed: “Loved it! Makes you even think about how your co-workers learn and how to have better staff meetings so all can understanding correctly! ??”

This program is ongoing and will continue into the Fall of 2020.