I recently started a professional leadership development course through the Professional Development Academy. I’m always looking for the next resource to further my professional development. I chose this course because it provides valuable insights from industry leaders, such as C-level executives and local government leadership. Additionally, this will provide me education credits toward the next certification that I am working for – my Master Municipal Clerk designation. Education relevant to your industry is integral to staying sharp and connected to changes that you need to be aware of. I am currently a Certified Municipal Clerk, which took a great deal of training to achieve. I’m proud of this accomplishment, and what it means to my position with the City of Sheridan. I’m thankful that the City has invested in my training and development, which should be a priority for every employer.
Leadership is a huge piece of any role, no matter what level you are at in an organization. Managing upwards requires a great deal of leadership and confidence, but can be a necessary step to accomplishing organizational goals. In my position, it is important that I provide feedback and direction regarding initiatives within the City even if they don’t necessarily have to do with my department. Each Department Head in the City is a subject matter expert, and can provide valuable insights into the direction the City needs to take relevant to their area of expertise. But every leader within an organization will have insights into cross-departmental operational processes or solutions that can make a company stronger. Good leadership leans on resources like this to make effective decisions that benefit the organization, and in this case the community, as a whole.
Establishing myself as a leader in my community and in my current position grants me the ability to further my personal and professional goals. I have been provided the ability to develop relationships which give me an opportunity to institute positive change. It would be easy for me to continue operations status quo, but that doesn’t help anyone. Becoming stagnant does a disservice to yourself and your company, and can even have detrimental impacts if you are averse to any type of change. I’m excited to continue my development and use the leadership skills I gain to shape my role and have an impact on the future of the City of Sheridan.