A Vision for the Future

This year Leadership Fresno celebrated its 25th Anniversary which caused the Steering Committee to reflect on where the program has been, where it currently is and to look forward to ensure its sustainability. The following document was drafted by several members of the Steering Committee with input from key individuals in the community. It was intended as a starting point of a Vision for the Future. As it is still a work in progress, this document has not yet been adopted by the Steering Committee. Copies have been submitted to the Chamber to solicit their input and support. Your input into the process is welcomed and you can email any comments or suggestions to leadershipfresno@gmail.com
 
Our Future

If you could fast forward 20 years how would Fresno and the region have changed from today? If you had the opportunity to wave a magic wand and improve this community by changing six things or three or even just one, what would that be? We can agree that although much has been done, so much more needs to be accomplished. What this area will look like in 20 years will be directly related to the commitment of its civic leaders to embrace a shared vision of what is possible through transforming our community.

The goal of this envisioned program will be to identify, recruit, and develop civic minded individuals into leaders who are willing to engage in transforming our region.
 
What Type of Leadership Does Our Community Need?

We need people of vision who are committed and passionate about our community. They think first about the community welfare, not personal benefit. They are civic risk-takers who understand the changing dynamics of community development. They do not avoid tough issues but stand on principles. They are actively engaged. They are people who connect and encourage others. They build consensus, promote open and honest exchanges. They work to resolve conflicts.

The leaders developed through this program will exemplify the Community Values of the Fresno Region. These values, taken together, are extraordinarily powerful.  They represent optimally productive behavior when working on behalf of the community; more importantly, they serve to build trust across the broad spectrum of stakeholders required to effect the change needed in our community.

The Community Values are:
1) Stewardship                                                             6) Truth Telling
2) Boundary Crossing and Collaboration                      7) Power Parity
3) Commitment to Outcomes                                      8) Commitment to Resolving Conflict
4) "Art of the Possible" Thinking                                  9) Asset-Based Approach
5) Fact-Based Decision Making                                   10) Conflict of Interest
 
 
A New Vision For Leadership Development In Fresno.

Although intentional leadership development has been the topic of many community conversations and programs, we have a long way to go. The outcomes from most of our existing leadership programs have been unpredictable at best. Current programs often do not include the necessary tools for leadership training or development. There is no clear expectation of where or how to engage after the program experience for the community benefit. Certainly wonderful memories and personal networks are created, but without predictable community engagement. The vacuum that this creates leaves our community short on the advantage that could be received from individuals who have developed the shared vision, skill sets and desire to engage in a real and significant way in transforming our community.

The program will be based on the “Four Spheres” model as a target for engagement. The spheres are Economic Development, Infrastructure Development (the hard and soft infrastructure of a community or region) and Human Development. These three spheres are surrounded by a fourth …..the whole.  This is the place where CEO-type leadership must operate to form and cast a broad vision; where disparate strategies must be rationalized and blended; where overall accountability is maintained; and, where leaders (private and public) and key institutions monitor it all and continually plan for the future.  It is imperative that participants have an informed view of the whole model, as well as the distinct elements, be taught leadership skills, and have a commitment to coordination and cooperation with others. 

The primary goal of this program would be focused on strengthening leadership in the civic, philanthropy and nonprofits sectors of the community with the expectation these new leaders would be immediately and directly connected into roles where they can use their new talents for the community good. These roles could include non-profit organization board and committee positions, government agencies and commissions, Grand Jury panelists and volunteer mentors in non-profit organizations.

What must be understood is that all three sectors must be successful in order for any one sector to be so.  Doing so will offer our community and region the best chance of overall success; will provide the best opportunity for use of scarce economic and human resource; and, will greatly tighten our social and economic fabric, and our sense of community and citizenship.

The program will collaborate with other likeminded individuals and institutions in the region to build program depth, breadth and sustainability. It will be committed to best practices. Where possible, it will use already established training assets and programs. This will make active engagement more feasible.

There will be a focus in development of leadership skills, the understanding of community work, and the methodology for community transformation; all directed to helping to develop individuals into engaged community transformational leaders.

There will be a well defined expectation and clear pathways for civic engagement from the participants.
 
How Do We Get There?
 
The creation of this program requires several steps, including the following:
1.     Establish a small steering group that will drive the development and launch
2.     Recruit and establish a larger, diverse Advisory Committee.
3.     Create a business plan that identifies purpose, goals, methods, timeline, funding/revenue streams and costs. 
4.     Finalize the proposed structure including creating a separate organization with a Board of Directors
5.     Recruit teachers, mentors, and students
6.     Launch

Developing these leaders will require a broad range of activities including knowledge transfer, personal development and the development of leadership skill sets. Among these talents will be a need to build awareness of interdependence, the first step in embracing the importance of collaboration and broad networks. It will require the participation of likeminded leaders in our community institutions and organizations that recognize the need for transformation and the opportunities available to us.

Here are some possible opportunities and ideas to consider in the formation of this program.

1.     Classes.  Single and multiple classes on an array of leadership topics would be available. Components of personal skill development would be incorporated into the curriculum in order to maximize leadership potential as leadership and learning are intertwined.

2.     Events.  Speakers on leadership would be brought in for classes, events and retreat.

3.     Retreats.  Leadership retreats would be convened over a 2-3 day period and include speakers and learning in a retreat format.

4.     Online Classes. Online classes could be offered to those that can’t attend regular classes.

5.     Certificates.  Certificates would be provided upon completion of courses, cohorts or any other major learning activity.

          a.     Community based boards would be encouraged to have all board members current and future receive at least a base level certificate in board leadership.

          b.     Some philanthropies may desire to require board training as a condition of financial support.

6.     Cohorts.  A 1-year project-based learning cohort would be created after completion in the program. Participants would serve the community with the skills sets that were developed during the program.

           a.     Cohorts could be divided into groups of 2-5 participants to develop/participate in community projects and initiatives that are already underway.

          b.     Cohorts would be mentored and supported during the year by alumni of the program after the first year.

          c.      At the conclusion of the year, the participants would convene for assessment and evaluation.

7.     Additional Programs. Additional programs could be developed to serve complementary needs:
          a.     For recent executive transfers to the community, a 2-day program could be created providing an intense introduction to the city’s community landscape. This could help people introduce those newcomers interested in this community’s needs to the opportunities for their contributions.

          b.     A program could be created tailored towards young professionals to build their confidence and leadership skills while introducing them to topics of significance to the region.

          c.      A collaborative effort with the Maddy Institute and CSUF to help prepare undergraduate and graduate students for career leadership through internship/externship experiences.

          d.     Training for individuals to serve on boards and capably discharge their fiduciary responsibilities.

Finally…
It is our hope that this region becomes a place where citizens recognize the needs of the community, take advantage of the programs available to gain knowledge and access and create a network of engaged community leaders from all social, ethnic and economic arenas committed to working collaboratively to transform our community.

Your input would be appreciated!

Email your comments and/ or suggestions to leadershipfresno@gmail.com