December's Leadership Whitley County session focused on teamwork skills
(Talk of the Town photo by Kelley Sheiss) John Black of the United Way, Carrie Garrison of Warner Electric, Carrie Hoffman of Huntington University and Mike Cook of the water pollution control facility took a hands-on group approach to the teamwork activity posed by trainer Dr. Rick Upchurch at the group's December session. Fellow class members listen in delight as their class members strategize on the best solution to their task..
By Kelley Sheiss
The December session of Leadership Whitley County convened at the Whitko Cafe in South Whitley with WHS Student Council members welcoming class participants to their school. The morning kicked off with an informative awareness session featuring a panel of local non-profit organizations. Panel members included: Shawn Ellis of Beds and Britches, Etc., Tania Keirn of Interfaith Mission, Mark Green of the Columbia City Parks Department, John Slavich of Count Me In! and Jacie Worrick, board member for the United Way of Whitley County. Each panel member had the opportunity to provide an overview of their organization, detail its benefits to the community, and highlight areas for possible volunteer involvement. LWC class members then had the opportunity to ask questions of the panel members.
The main topic for the day was “Team Building,” presented by Dr. Rick Upchurch of Huntington University. The session began with a lively and enlightening activity on teambuilding in the school’s gymnasium. Principal Parrish Kruger joined the group on this activity, which used blindfolds and focused on communication as a critical tool of teamwork. Upchurch then worked with the group to overview the principles of effective teams and touched briefly on handling conflict as a part of effective teamwork. More emphasis on conflict management and facilitation will be addressed during the group’s February session.
As the LWC program heads into the 2010, class members will experience programs focusing on public speaking, conflict management and personal mission. A celebration graduation will be held, recognizing all class members on Thursday, April 15 at the Eagles Nest Event Center. For more information on applying for the 2010/11Leadership Whitley County class, supporting the program, or having an informational presentation made to your business or organization, contact Kelley Sheiss at 799-4045 or 3dsheiss@gmail.com