Austin Human Resource Management Association

CELEBRATION
During the March 26th luncheon meeting at the Austin Country Club, a celebration of instructors, participants, and graduates of our leadership development program, “Stepping Stones to Enhanced Leadership”, was held.

PROGRAM DESIGN
In August 2007 during succession planning for the 2008 Executive Committee, Marilyn Martin, now Past President, presented a vision: create a “leadership academy” to develop emerging volunteer leaders for future roles in AHRMA. I was tasked with leading this initiative and it was my good fortune to collaborate with Cathy Wodarski, Past President 2005. Cathy and I have had the privilege to design and develop Marilyn’s vision and during the past year we have worked diligently to bring it to life.
“Stepping Stones to Enhanced Leadership” was designed to assist volunteer leaders of AHRMA with enhancing their leadership skills. It was our goal they would gain additional leadership skills to benefit them, their association, and their employer. Here is the value proposition we predicted would result from the program and it is aligned with AHRMA’s mission:

FOR THE MEMBERSHIP
Volunteers

Professional growth
Enhance leadership skills
HRCI credit

FOR THE PROFESSION
AHRMA

Stronger succession strategy
Planned talent management

FOR THE COMMUNITY
Employers

Improved employee engagement and retention
Development of employees

“STEPPING STONES” MISSION

“Develop Future Leaders within the Human Resource Profession.”

The program was designed to include a series of six 4-hour modules to accommodate participants’ busy schedules. If unable to attend a specific module, a student could complete it in a subsequent program series. Modules were conducted as breakfast workshops every two months over a one-year period. The modules included the following and had specific competencies defined:

• Self Discovery: core foundation module using DiSC assessment tool
• Building Collaborative Teams
• Communication
• Employee Engagement
• Planning & Organization
• Leadership

We designed a program model using our stones/rock theme – it is web-based and when a module is clicked, the viewer is directed to the workshop outline.

INSTRUCTORS
We identified best-in-class professional subject matter experts from AHRMA’s membership and extended invitations to them to serve as pro bono instructors. It was an honor to have these HR professionals be part of the pilot program as their contributions formed the foundation for the success of this important initiative for AHRMA. Our instructors were Cathy Wodarski, Becky Sandifer, Sherry Scott, Kate McLagan, Judy Wallace, and Alice Dendinger. We thank you all for your wisdom and time.

PARTICIPANTS
There were 25 volunteers enrolled in the pilot series of “Stepping Stones”: Barbara Anderson-Carr, David Carlin, Wendy Chance, Will Dodge, Karen Sue Doughty, Diontha Fancher, Tammy Fraser, Amy Goldenburg, Rocky Gonzalez, Pat Goodwin, Sharon Hall, Lochie Hausman-Pels, Sandra Hewitt, Shannon Hickson, Pam Hooper, Angela Loeb, Sarah Loyd, Donna Mosebar, Jennifer Nieri, Mary Pruett, Lori Rohre, Ramona Rohrer, Eileen Ulmer, Eliza Walls, Amy Watson. We applaud your commitment and dedication to the program!

GRADUATES
The following participants completed all 6 modules: Barbara Anderson-Carr, Wendy Chance, Karen Sue Doughty, Tammy Fraser, Amy Goldenburg, Sandra Hewitt, Pam Hooper, Angela Loeb, Jennifer Nieri, Lori Rohre, Ramona Rohrer, and Eliza Walls. We commend you and applaud your graduation!! Certificates of Completion and special keepsake gifts were distributed to the graduates.

FEEDBACK
We have received overwhelmingly positive feedback to each module and to the program overall – see separate blog article for “Stepping Stones” survey feedback comments.

NEXT STEPS
Series II of “Stepping Stones to Enhanced Leadership” will roll out on May 7, 2009. Participants will include committee volunteers nominated by the Vice Presidents and submissions from General Membership applications – see separate blog article regarding applying for admission.

It has been an honor and a privilege for me to be involved in the design, development, and implementation of this important initiative for AHRMA. I am “stepping down” from leading “Stepping Stones” and passing the baton to Diontha Fancher, President-Elect; however, I will continue to be involved in the design and development of the program.

Sincerely,

Ramona Rohrer, President

LEADERSHIP ROCKS!!

SOURCE & THANKS FOR THE ROCKS TO:

Tiffanay Waller

Filed under: Stepping Stones Program