News Blog

What is Leadership?

The term leadership certainly has different connotations, definitions and meanings to different people.  Some academics have even identified their opinion of the key qualities which constitute an effective leader.  Others believe there is no such thing as a strict set of qualities which one must possess to be considered “a leader”.

Recently, I participated in the first session of Connect Florida’s Statewide Leadership Institute where several aspects of leadership were discussed by various professionals.  Amongst the young professionals from across the state of Florida in attendance, discussions were  had as to what the definition of a leader was.  Are leaders born, or are they made?  Is leadership an art or a science?  Is leadership different from management?  Can managers be leaders?  We debated these questions during the weekend session entitled “Leadership”. 

Undoubtedly there were varying viewpoints on the questions stated above.  My perspective is that leadership is a broad discipline, and one which can be taught and learned.  Sure,  there are certain personality traits (albeit shaped by nature or environment) which demonstrate some people’s “natural” leadership skills.  But on the same token I believe training, mentorship and professional development can develop anyone into a leader. 

The Keirsey Temperament Test

During the three day session we received several nuggets pertaining to leadership, leadership development and qualities of a leader; from quotes to suggested books to leadership theories.  The key takeaway from the entire weekend, however, was a temperament exercise we spent a considerable amount of time discussing.  Each member of the class completed the Keirsey assessment.  Unlike the Meyers-Briggs or DISC assessments the Keirsey assessment is a temperament test, not a personality test.  After completing the assessment, the test taker is classified as a guardian, artistan, idealist or rationalist as a result of their responses which assess their temperament. 

Application of the Keirsey Test

Effective leaders are great communicators, know the people they supervise or work with and have an understanding of how to manage various personalities.  These reasons are why I believe we were encouraged to take the Keirsey Test during the leadership session.  Having an understanding of how people make decisions, why they make the decisions they do and the ways to most effectively communicate with members of your team would enhance communication between two individuals regardless of their environment. 

I had my staff and interns each complete the Keirsey Test, learn about the various temperament types and then share with the group what their classification was.  Of the 10 of us who completed the temperament test, only 2 believed the results were not an accurate reflection of who they were.  The others, however, felt the results were accurate.  As a staff, we collectively identified who the guardians, artisans, idealists and rationalists were.  We also identified how each of these temperament types make decisions, factors which motivate them and factors which make them unhappy. 

As this year came to a close, I paid close attention to the dynamics in the workplace.  This exercise has proved to be extremely beneficial for my organization, as I have seen communication improve amongst my staff and interns.  I have also identified the overall environment in general has improved.  The basis for this seems to be a result of the staff completing the Keirsey Test and all of us understanding which temperament class we all belong.  From now on, I will have all team members complete the Keirsey Temperament Test.  I believe another trait of a leader is identifying tools and resources which can make something better.  I hope my use of the Keirsey assessment is a good example of this.

The Keirsey Test can be found at: http://www.keirsey.com/             

Christopher Johnson is a current member of Connect Florida Class II.  He is a graduate of Leadership Gainesville XXXV and is currently the Executive Director of the Nonprofit Center of North Central Florida.           

The Community Action Council will meet Wednesday, November 2nd at 12:00 p.m. at Fuji Hana, 3720 NW 13th Street. We will discuss plans for the upcoming Power Lunch and Gator Bay. All LGAA members are welcome to attend and join the council. Please let me know if you have any questions bbwhitaker@lifesouth.org.  

Are we putting our children first? What happens when we don't? What has happend because we haven't?

When: Tuesday, November 15 11:30 - 1:00 p.m.

Where: Santa Fe College CEID Center downtown at 530 West University Ave.

The Children's Movement of Florida believes the well-being and education of our children in Florida must be the highest priority of government, businesses, non-profit institutions and families. The economic future of our state and the stability of the communities we live in depend on achieving this goal.

David Lawerence Jr. retired as publisher of the Miami Herald in 1999 to work in the area of early childhood development and readiness. He is president of The Early Childhood Initiative Foundation and "University Scholar for Early Childhood Development and Readiness" at the University of Florida.In 2002-3 he chaired the Governor's Blue Ribbon Panel on Child Protection, and in 2011 he chaired a similar panel for the Secretary of the Department of Children and Families. In 2002, he was a key figure in passing a statewide constitutional amendment to provide pre-K for all 4 year olds.

Power Lunches are limited to the first 25 LGAA members to register. RSVP today at www.lgalum.com or by calling Brite Whitaker at 352-224-1728 or bbwhitaker@lifesouth.org. Cost is $15 and includes a catered lunch.

Gangs are not just a big city problem. They are right here in Gainesville and growing. Gangs bring fear to neighborhoods, drive out business, destroy property adn create havoc with acts of violence.

Learn more about gang activity in our community from experts including Keith Blanchard, President and Chief Professional Officer on the Boys and Girls Club of Alachua County, and how we can be a part of the solution.

When: Thursday, September 22 11:30 - 1:00 p.m.

Where: Santa Fe College CEID Center downtown at 530 West University Ave.

Power Lunches are limited to the first 25 people to register. RSVP today online at www.lgalum.com or by calling Brite Whitaker at 352-224-1728. The cost is $15 and includes a catered lunch.

There will be no Community Relations Committee Meeting tonight (7/20/2011)! Please feel free to join us at Gators Dockside on Wednesday, August 17th @ 5:30 for our next committee meeting.

Thank you to everyone who came out to the 2011 LGAA Annual Dinner to honor this past year's achievements and welcome in our new board.

As my last act as President, I had the honor to present the President's Awards for 2010-2011.

The winners were:

Committee Chair of the Year:  Steve Shepherd  (anyone leading a committee known as the Greatest Committee Ever deserves recognition.  Grants, scholarships, processes and dedication).

Lending a Hand:  Dave Hendryx  (stepped up and helped with membership when asked, advisory council, etc.)

Making a Difference:  J.R. Anchors (stepped into tough roll and embraced it.  Good traits of a treasurer and a leader:  honestly, integrity, patience and commitment) 

Making a Difference  Emilee MacDonald  (always stepping up to lead, assist or guide.  Does so with enthusiasm, confidence, passion and a commitment to excellence)

Courageous Leader Award:  Lindsay Krieg (always willing to defend positions and take a stance whether popular or not as long as she believes in decision and process to get there.  Integrity and passion were involved in every opinion shared and is a true asset to LGAA)

Advisor:  Chuck Clemons  (served this organization for years, including as President.  Chuck came back by request and offered advice, encouragement and guidance throughout the year)

Advisor:  Brent Christensen  (Brent was always available to provide feedback, advice, and leadership as needed throughout the year.  He also helped create the Council of Advisors, bringing in leaders from each of the 37 classes).

Leading by Example:  Brite Whitaker  (silently participates everywhere and leads with integrity.  She is never looking for credit or attention...often shying away from it)

Gator Bill Spirit Award:  Kim Mitrook (passion, drive, love of LG.  She is the living, breathing example of all things good about LGAA.  Her encouragement, support, effort and optimism were great assets to me)

Rising Star award:  Nikki Wagner (has been instrumental in creating written rules and guidelines for community relations committee, has made ever board meeting, steps up where asked and offers help in other ways).

Community Leadership Excellence Award: Pete Johnson  (Passion for education drove Pete to bring a private screening of Waiting for Superman to Gainesville attended by local, statewide and national leaders.)

Leadership Excellence Award:  Pete Zimek  (2x..true leader, took ownership of the website and database, helped in every aspect but tried to stay behind the scenes.  Reigned me in when needed and encouraged me all along.  Could not have succeeded this year without him, and he manned the most important committee if not the self-proclaimed greatest committee.)

Thank you to everyone that made 2010-2011 a great success and I look forward to an even bigger year under the leadership of Pete Zimek in 2011-2012!

for those who were not able to hear the candidate forum, the debate in its entirety is going to be rerun this Sunday at 6pm on WUFT, 89.1.

Join fellow LG alum for a Fish Fry on Wed. Jan 26 at Forest Meadows, 725 NW 23rd Ave. Stop by from 11am-1pm for fried fish, hushpuppies, and cheese grits- eat there or carry out. While the fish fry is free as always, all proceeds benefit the Alachua County Public Schools Foundation. The suggested donation is $10 per person. 

LGAA's Executive Board held their retreat today.  Our facilitator was LG 25's John Spence.  I am very excited about the future of our organization.  We spend our Saturday outlining plans for the future of our organization and look forward to a number of ideas that were presented and worked through.  This will be going to the board and the committees soon. 

Look for announcements to come forward over the next few months, but I can promise you, LGAA is in good hands and we are excited about our future impacting this community!