Leadership Plano
Leadership Plano began in 1983 by the Plano Chamber of Commerce as a community leadership development program. Today, the Plano Chamber of Commerce is still the sponsoring organization and serves as a valuable resource to the program.
Leadership Plano Mission
A program of the Plano Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Plano is dedicated to educating, developing, and empowering current and future leaders for the community and motivating them to serve civic, charitable, and business organizations.
Program Details
Spanning nine months from September through May, Leadership Plano is designed to increase individual and community leadership skills. The beginning retreat, a two-day orientation weekend in September, focuses on individual leadership styles and techniques. Starting in October and ending in May, the class then spends one day a month examining specific aspects of the community such as education, area government, local business and economic development, health and human services, the criminal justice system, the arts and non-profit organizations.
The insights participants gain as they explore the inner workings of the community serves as a foundation for their long-term involvement in Plano in a variety of leadership roles.
Benefits
Leadership Plano participants benefit from a broad-based education about the community in which they live and work, while developing a valuable communications network among civic, business and educational leaders. They also develop lasting friendships over the course of the year, and personal and professional skills that increase their effectiveness within their community and business environment.
The City of Plano benefits from the development of a source of high quality leaders with broadened perspectives prepared to address issues critical to Plano's future. The success of the program can be measured by the number of Leadership Plano graduates who currently serve the community in volunteer and elected positions.
Businesses whose employees participate in Leadership Plano gain not only a knowledge of the inner workings of the city, but also personal skills that increase their effectiveness in their professional environment.
Curriculum
Leadership Plano Class 29 Curriculum - 2011-2012
The purpose of Leadership Plano is to educate, develop, and empower current and future leaders for the community and motivate them to serve civic, charitable, and business organizations.
The order of session topics and content may change based on availability of facilities and presenters.
All dates are tentative and may be rescheduled
Sept. 10 & 11 - OPENING RETREAT (Mandatory Attendance)
Class members meet for the first time and begin their leadership adventure with an overnight retreat. Participants spend the first day discovering their own leadership style and learning how to best utilize style differences. The next day members participate in a series of out-door initiatives involving team-building, problem-solving, trust and risk-taking.
Oct. 20, 2011 - CITY HISTORY AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
A look at the past helps participants understand the present and envision the future. The class gains insight into local government and explores the political process as elected and appointed officials address current issues and future challenges facing the city.
New Class Reception follows: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Reflections on Spring Creek.
Nov. 17, 2011 - PUBLIC SAFETY
Participants will take part in tours of public safety and county justice facilities. Representatives provide an overview of public safety issues and the criminal justice system.
Dec. 15, 2011 - BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
This session provides an overview of programs and services provided by the Plano Chamber of Commerce and the Plano Economic Development Board. Tours of local companies and discussion points will examine issues affecting small, medium and large businesses.
Jan. 19, 2012- EDUCATION
Classroom visits and presentations by representatives from Plano ISD, Collin College and other educational organizations cover topics such as curriculum, school finance, technology, work force development, community partnerships and challenges facing educational institutions.
Feb. 16, 2012 - HEALTH SERVICES
Presentations by local healthcare providers and facility tours offer a “real life” view of health services, treatment centers and major healthcare issues facing our community.
Mar. 8, 2012 - SIMSOC (Simulated Society)
This simulation raises the participant’s awareness of all levels of society through role-playing, conflict resolution, trust, and crisis management. Members of the “society” must address issues affecting their neighbors, while keeping a “balance” in the society.
Apr. 19, 2012 - QUALITY OF LIFE
What makes a community a good place to live and work? This session will focus on a variety of topics regarding the quality of life within our community, including our diverse culture, the arts and leisure opportunities available.
May 17, 2012 - SERVANT LEADERSHIP AND CLOSING RETREAT
This closing session will provide insight to not-for-profit organizations within our community and how to serve effectively as a board member. The session also looks at “The Year in Review” and challenges participants to develop a personal vision focusing on their individual commitment to the community and servant leadership role.
May 2012 Leadership Plano Class 29 GRADUATION
Leadership Plano Executive Board