Your role as a local government leader continues to evolve. Changes in technologies, funding, human capital and community needs require an ability to address challenges as opportunities, and develop a proactive approach to complex issues.

To help you think creatively, rise to the occasion, and create a high-performance organization, MARC, with the help of nationally recognized thought leaders, has developed Leadership Labs. This new initiative provides a collaborative space for public sector leaders to observe, experiment, analyze and innovate, while addressing contemporary trends and exploring leading practices.

Leadership Labs consist of three programs focusing on topics of regional interest: the High-Performance Organization Exploration Lab, the Collaborative Leaders Lab and the Problem-Solving Testing Labs.

Mark your calendar — registration will be available soon!

This August, join us at the Kauffman Foundation Conference Center for the first ever High-Performance Organization (HPO) Exploration Lab. Led by a faculty member from the University of Virginia’s Senior Executive Institute (SEI) and LEAD programs, this three-day lab introduces participants to the HPO model and emphasizes a regional commitment to a high-performance culture.

Participants will learn how to develop a more nimble organization based on democratic values by incorporating HPO principles into the management philosophy of the entire organization. Agencies are encouraged to enroll a few staff members to develop an HPO team. After this lab ends, Johnson County government staff trained in the HPO model will provide additional sessions to reinforce the lessons learned and build a regional HPO culture.

Instructor: Tony Gardner, leadership development director and faculty, Cooper Center for Public Service at the
University of Virginia.

Fee: $1,250 (Individual) • $1,000 (Per person for teams of two) • $850 (Per person for teams of three or more)

This one-week, interactive program teaches collaboration as a leadership and management strategy. You will leave with the skills to collaborate within your organization and support new opportunities for regional collaboration.

Faculty from the University of Kansas School of Public Affairs and Administration and national thought leaders will use an interactive learning experience to lead this program. This lab will provide public sector leaders with new ideas, case studies and practical exercises to address both challenges and opportunities that can arise when agencies collaborate. Participants will discuss how to build leadership capacity, respond to new issues in local government and engage in community building efforts.

Instructors: Rosemary O’Leary, Edwin O. Stene distinguished professor, and John Nalbandian, professor emeritus with the University of Kansas School of Public Affairs and Administration. Additional speakers and subject-matter experts will help instruct this week-long lab.

Fee: $2,250 (Individual) • $2,000 (Per person for teams of two) • $1,750 (Per person for teams of three or more)

The Problem-Solving Testing Labs will help you develop problem-solving skills to address challenges currently facing local governments.

These labs will convene periodically during the year for opportunities to address contemporary trends and pressing issues through problem-solving exercises. Participants will gain the knowledge, skills and experience to effectively deal with identified challenges. Labs may take place over a half day or a couple days, depending on the time required. Experienced facilitators and subject-matter experts will guide these labs.