Program Format
- Cohort of 26 people
- Nine sessions held one day a month Sept. – May
- Sessions held in various communities across the County
- Leadership training and community speakers
- Site visits of community assets and resources
- Reflection and dialogue
Program Topics
Identifying your own preferences and behaviors when you interact with or lead others is key to being an effective leader. This workshop uses the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator which is known for the highest reliability and validity of any personal assessment. Based on Carl Jung's theory of types, the MBTI helps participants better understand their personal preference for taking in and processing information. Understanding how your preferences may differ from others is key to improved communication, decision-making and practices in both your personal and professional life. This session will include the MBTI Assessment.
The #1 reason people leave jobs or organizations is that they do not feel valued. There is a way for you to build a culture where people feel valued, trusted, and confident to take action. During this session, participants will investigate their current work culture, learn IMPACT techniques that build trust through clear communication, and create an action plan to nurture their own thriving work culture. Participants will leave this session with a plan and ready to use them in their everyday life to lift up team members, coworkers, clients, and even family members to grow and achieve their true potential. This session will be delivered by owner of IMPACT, Ann Vote.
Many of the situations we face in our changing world do not have a clear “right” way. It requires us to evaluate the options available, understand how our personal and organizational values influence our actions, and consider the lasting impacts made by the decision. This session allows participants to explore different approaches to ethical decision making through the use of open conversation and critical thinking exercises. This session will include the Strengths Finder Assessment.
A leader’s most valuable skill today is not the ability to read a spreadsheet; it’s their ability to understand emotions. Emotional intelligence allows leaders to better understand themselves, the things that may cause barriers in their ability to build and maintain relationships, and to effectively lead. This workshop will provide participants with the opportunity to learn the basics of emotional intelligence and how to apply them in a variety of situations.
Discover and grow talents so that they become strengths that help individuals and communities thrive. Using the StrengthsFinder 2.0 assessment by Gallup, participants will identify their personal strengths and ways to develop effective teams and encourage member motivation and satisfaction. Participants also explore the science and research behind positive emotions and how to cultivate healthy environments at home, work, and everywhere in between. Participants will be asked to complete the StrengthsFinder online assessment prior to the date of the session.
Participants learn about typical patterns and dynamics related to conflict and ways to effectively deal with conflict situations. Using the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument participants are able to understand their preferred conflict style and recognize the conflict styles of others. Specific techniques are shared and practiced to be more effective in situations where conflict is present.
Historically, most leadership programs devote their focus on tenets of leadership. However, with the increase in collaborative and global perspectives in communities and organizations, the need to develop effective followers is essential. This workshop introduces participants to the types of followers, their needs, and the importance of their roles. It is based on the latest research of Chaleff with the purpose to change perspective, build knowledge, and develop skills in the area of followership.
A generational shift is changing the dynamics of the workplace and this shift, a demographic reality will continue to grow in the next decade. Plus, todays work world is complicated by many factors: globalization, breathtakingly fast technology changes, flattened organizations, social media and increased expectations of customers and clients. If organizations want to attract and retain quality workers, they have to position themselves to meet or exceed the expectations of a multi-generational workforce. Questions need to be discussed to rethink policies and practices around management, training, and work-life balance. This session will be delivered by Catie Rasmussen, retired U of M Extension Educator.
The final session will begin in Redwood Falls as we board a coach bus traveling to unexplored places in Redwood County. During our travels LINC Redwood County Program Coordinator and Board Members will facilitate discussion with participants to understand the purpose and power of vision desired for the future of Redwood County. Participants will be challenged to reflect on their personal visions as a leader and consider the values and shared vision for their organization or community.
Site Visits
Half of each day will include site visits and/or informational sessions about the various assets of our county. This could include visits to manufacturing facilities, agricultural operations, retail establishments, historical sites, and more.
Each site visit is organized by LINC Alumni who serve as the day chairs. They arrange a variety of great opportunities for participants to expand their knowledge of what our county has to offer. These will likely change from year to year.
Tuition
Tuition for the program is $550, which includes your education and lunch per session. This breaks out to just over $60 per session! Tuition assistance is available for consideration. Please reference the application for more details. Participants will be responsible for their own transportation.
Here's another tool to use when speaking with your boss about participating!
Gallery
Check out pictures from past cohorts!
APPLY NOW
Applications for the 2025-26 program year are currently being accepted until July 15, 2025