The Essentials of Leadership Reach Beyond the Workplace

By Laurie Remer



In January 2008, Leadership Howard County launched its newest program, Leadership Essentials. Now in its second year, Leadership Essentials continues to prepare the next generation of leaders for the workplace and beyond.

"Howard County is blessed with a wealth of talented young professionals. As the baby boomers begin to retire, we need to prepare the up-and-coming leaders to take their place. We are very pleased that our community is making a commitment to train our future leadership," said Paul Gleichauf, chairman of Leadership Howard County.

Designed to address the critical gap between formal education and the seasoned professional, this program delivers practical skills that young leaders can apply to today's dynamic business world and beyond. Over a six-month period, participants attend monthly workshops, participate in individual coaching sessions and join a community service project team to address an immediate need of a local nonprofit organization. "Our multi-tiered approach to leadership development embraces a variety of methods for learning leadership. For our young professionals, it is the beginning of a lifelong journey to becoming a leader," said Stacie Hunt, president and CEO of Leadership Howard County.

As part of the Essentials experience, participants work closely with a nonprofit or government organization. This year's class is working on community service projects with four organizations: Grassroots, The Howard County Arts Council, The Howard County Department of Corrections and The Lazarus Foundation.

"We believe this program addresses the unique needs of the young professional demographic of 25-35-year-olds," said Ed Ely, co-chair of the Steering Committee that oversees the program and spearheaded the funding campaign to raise the seed money to create this program. "In addition, we were delighted by the wide range of community support offered by our founding donors, on-going corporate sponsors and service project hosts."

Leadership Essentials participants will learn what it means and what it takes to be a results-oriented leader, both in business and in our community. Ideal applicants demonstrate a commitment to developing as a leader, must live or work in Howard County and must be interested in participating in community service. The program runs from January to June of each year.

If you are interested in applying, or know someone who might benefit from this opportunity for young professionals, contact Laurie Remer at 410-730-4474 or e-mail laurie.remer@leadershiphc.org. Applications will be available this summer on Leadership's web site: www.leadershiphc.org.



Laurie Remer is vice president of Leadership Essentials.