Class 40 recently completed the National Government Seminar. Participants spent a week in Washington, D.C. gaining firsthand insight into the inner workings of the federal government and experiencing the rich artistic and cultural treasures of our nation's Capital.
What Class Participants are Saying:
The prevailing theme of this seminar was that leadership decisions have consequences. By starting with Arlington National Cemetery, going through the Holocaust Museum mid-week, and ending at Gettysburg we were surrounded by the consequences of leadership decisions.
This seminar made engaging in the political process at the national level feel approachable. I can now more easily see myself being a part of the process.
I appreciated Representative Dan Newhouse's comment that the most enduring laws come from working with people who have diverse perspectives. This seminar reinforced the need to consider differing viewpoints and the potential impacts of your position when formulating solutions to problems.
I now realize we cannot rely on industry organizations to tell our story. It takes going to D.C. and putting boots on the ground to ensure that your message is heard.
We gained great insights into how to be engaged and effective in DC. I will make more frequent visits and spend time communicating with legislators and their staff.
One of the most useful aspects of the seminar was realizing how easily we are blinded by tunnel vision thinking. It is essential to try to understand other's points of view. This does not necessarily mean to negotiate, but to try to understand if there is room for negotiation.
Since returning from DC, I have started to make a conscious effort to consider pros and cons and how my decisions impact those around me. I tend to be a selfish decision maker - making choices with outcomes that are the best for me and those I am close with. I have learned this is not very productive.
The failure of government isn't so much the messy process, it's the breakdown or lack of relationships being built among our leadership.
I was inspired by our founding fathers who were such visionaries that they created a system of governance that managed 13 colonies and scaled to administer the behemoth 50 state system we are today. It reminded me that the strongest and most powerful leaders take the long view and think strategically about what will be needed 10, 50, 100 years from now. I feel as though this trait has been lost or undervalued in society today.
Leaders who take the time to understand both sides of an issue and why people take opposing sides before acting is something I admire. These kinds of leaders are the ones who make decisions that have long lasting benefits on large groups of people. I will strive to be that kind of leader in my work and community going forward.
Brady Stover witnesses the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Solider.
Class member Melody Kreimes at the Seminary Ridge Museum. The museum shows the work of one of Gettysburg's largest battlefield hospitals.
Class member Tyler Broetje practicing his presentation skills in anticipation of his next leadership role.
Class member Justin Hall is the Executive Director of the Nisqually River Foundation. Justin discovered the Nisqually Tribe banner while exploring the National Museum of the American Indian.
Jennifer Hickenbottom, Bureau of Reclamation, and several classmates with Brenda Burman, the 23rd Commissioner for the Bureau of Reclamation.
Class photo at Gettysburg. Record strong winds forced the closure of the metro and federal buildings in D.C., but couldn't hold back Class 40 from taking Gettysburg by storm.
Feeling inspired? Applications for Leadership Class 41 are available now through April 30, 2018.
Click HERE for your application and program details
