Top Banner
Personal Best Leadership Project Table of PePer [Type text] [Type text] [Type text] PP Personal Best Leadership Project Marisa Crawford Gray CAPS 600 PC – Graduate Project Fall Session Three, 2011 December 16, 2011 Southwestern College Professional Studies
31
Welcome message from author
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
Page 1: Caps 600 Pblp Gray

Personal Best Leadership Project

Table of Contents

PePerPP

Personal Best Leadership Project

Marisa Crawford Gray

CAPS 600 PC – Graduate Project

Fall Session Three, 2011

December 16, 2011

Southwestern College Professional Studies

Page 2: Caps 600 Pblp Gray

Personal Best Leadership Project

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Abstract 3

Introduction/Background 4

Overview Of Organization 4

Project Description 6

Internship Program Details 7

Organization Of Team 8

Project Timeline 10

Business And Industry Project Timeline 11

Project Measurement 11

Model The Way 13

Inspire A Shared Vision 14

Challenge The Process 15

Enable Others To Act 18

Encourage From The Heart 19

Conclusion 20

Reference 21

2

Page 3: Caps 600 Pblp Gray

Personal Best Leadership Project

Abstract

In today’s challenging economic times, employability readiness is a significant and

critical issue for individuals hoping to enter into the world of work. This project focuses

on the idea, structural design and implementation of an internship program that will be a

collaborative effort in partnership with the Workforce Development Department and the

Career Center of Kansas City Kansas Community College. This paper will highlight the

leadership skills applications to model the way, the motivational discussions to inspire a

shared vision, the historical data to challenge processes that enable others to act, and

support to encourage the hearts of my teammates on this project.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND

3

Page 4: Caps 600 Pblp Gray

Personal Best Leadership Project

In today’s challenging economic times both the employer and the job seeker

experience frustrations with the process of finding each other. The inability to get a job

without experience coupled with the impossibility of acquiring experience without a job,

is the common theme and vicious circle today’s students are learning to hate. “We can’t

find qualified employees with experience” is a mantra often stated by local business

leaders.

I have taken the initial steps to lead a team in creating the structural design for

implementing an internship program for the Kansas City Kansas Community College.

This program will address the needs of both the student and our business and industry

partners. The intrinsic value of participating in an internship program for both the

student and the business and industry partners will understandably be the program’s

focus.

Overview of Organization

Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC) is a public, urban, open door,

and comprehensive community college committed to excellence in higher education.

Serving over 7,000 students, we provide associate degrees in six academic areas and over

fifty certificates and certification opportunities for life long learning.

The KCKCC is located in Wyandotte County of Kansas City, Kansas. A city,

population 155,085 of which 95% is urban and 5% rural, that celebrates itself to be one of

the most ethnically diverse communities in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area. With a

resident median age of 32.5 and 74% educated at the high school level or above, we have

the foundation of a strong workforce.

4

Page 5: Caps 600 Pblp Gray

Personal Best Leadership Project

This community boasts a long tradition of industrial and manufacturing

businesses. The current economic growth in Wyandotte County is concentrated in three

primary areas:

1. Retail and Entertainment: driven by – Village West, Kansas Speedway, Nebraska

Furniture Mart, Cabela's, The Legends at Village West, and the highly anticipated

Schliterbahn Vacation Village;

2. Industrial and Manufacturing: current corporations include Sara Lee, General

Motors, Procter & Gamble, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Owens Corning, and

Kellogg’s;

3. Bio Science/Animal Health: key partnerships with the Kansas Bioscience

Authority and the Kansas City Area Development Council's Animal Health

Corridor, home to the University of Kansas Medical Center and Hospital.

Wyandotte County is poised to land even more bio- and animal health science

companies.

It is important that KCKCC continue to build its programs, services, and training

on the traditions in Wyandotte County, and concurrently seek new innovations and

emerging industries as the future workforce develops. As businesses relocate into the

area their primary concern is whether or not there exists a workforce that is skilled,

trained, educated, and available to staff and move their businesses to the next higher

level.

5

Page 6: Caps 600 Pblp Gray

Personal Best Leadership Project

Project Description

The goal of this project is to develop an internship program within KCKCC’s

Workforce Development Center that focuses on providing opportunities for students to

gain workplace experience with local companies. The program design will specifically

address skill sets development required for specific work environments. We have an

acute awareness of those skill sets because of our constant communication and strong

relationships with business and industry. The three areas mentioned earlier which are:

Retail and entertainment, industrial and manufacturing, and bioscience and animal health,

will be the areas of focus for the internship program. Students who complete the training

program must be skilled, trained and educated as they enter the workplace.

An internship is a pre-professional work experience that provides students, recent

graduates and career changers with opportunities to explore various career fields and

interest. It is an integral piece of the career ladder and can serve as a powerful first rung

in building success in the workplace (Klein, 2011). The concept of internships has long

been a part of the powerful and often-lucrative tool used by larger four-year colleges,

universities and businesses. It is a relatively new venture for many community colleges.

However, having a vital internship program will afford opportunities and access for

students to stand out and be hired by organizations with a vested interest in the workforce

of tomorrow.

Our program will be directed and influenced by industry representatives.  The

individuals who enter the program will develop a realistic sense of the learning

requirements that will directly lead to employment.  For some, it might be learning a

6

Page 7: Caps 600 Pblp Gray

Personal Best Leadership Project

completely new trade.  For others it might be building on existing skills, and for the more

advanced, it might be adding new dimensions and then repackaging themselves to re-

enter the market.  Whatever their background when entering the program, the process

leading to success will be the same – allow an individual to enroll, take them through the

assignments, place them in a company as an intern, review lessons learned. The desired

outcome is that the student will begin to feel empowered and energetically move to

achieve their professional dream with dignity and respect for self. 

The program assignments, exercises, and internship placements will be

motivational and specifically designed to assist students to explore career options, narrow

career choices and focus on career goals. Students will research geographic locations or

gain insight about a specific industry or career goals. In class learning experiences will

correlate with real-world work experiences and relationships, which will serve them well

for the rest of their career. Internships will also provide students an opportunity to get

their foot in the door and land a job in an extremely challenging employment market.

A successful student in the program can enhance their resume and gain the skills

necessary to set themselves apart from the competition. Students will not have to choose

between work and college, but with the right internship, they can have both.

Internship Program Details

The internship program within the Workforce Development Center will focus on

two components:

1) Student interns: recruitment, training, support and retention of participants

with 30 credit hours and a 3.0 grade point average.

7

Page 8: Caps 600 Pblp Gray

Personal Best Leadership Project

2) Business and industry: participation, support and retention.

The first component working with the student interns will be based in the current

Career Center on the campus. The center currently provides internship opportunities for

students in certain career programs. They have the capacity for growth, and this project

will provide enhancement components to strengthen their program. The Business and

Industry component will be based in the Workforce Development Center. They currently

work with companies and have relationships with representatives that understand and are

willing to meet the needs of future workplace employees.

This program provides an excellent opportunity for the college to be a leader in

this industry, providing guidance, support and collaboration towards addressing the

challenges of our existing and future workforce. It is our goal for our business

community to view the college as vital and progressive resource for prospective

employees.

Organization of Team

The core team selected to work on this project would include the following

members:

Marisa Gray, Business Development Liaison

Jay Matlack, Workforce Development Coordinator

Eric Kirkwood, Career Center, Career Planning and Placement

I have worked with these individuals on other projects and they both bring

important skills and personal experiences to the table. After conducting personal

8

Page 9: Caps 600 Pblp Gray

Personal Best Leadership Project

interviews with each of them, I have developed a better understanding of what I need to

focus on to keep our team cohesive, productive and successful.

It will be important for us to keep the communication lines open at all times. Our

meetings need to be productive and agenda driven. It will also be important for me to

provide our team with the resources needed for this project. As a leader, I will also need

to be very flexible in order to allow new ideas and creative thinking take its course. It is

very important that we think outside the box and try new approaches.

Other actual or virtual team members or organizations involved with this project

would include:

College President

College Provost of Academic Programs

Business and Continuing Education Dean

Deans of Academic Programs

Advising and Counseling Center

Tech Center Placement Advisor

Phi Theta Kappa

Student Services Director

Community and other stakeholders that would have a vested interest in the success of this

project would include:

Wyandotte Economic Development Council

Kansas City Kansas Chamber of Commerce

9

Page 10: Caps 600 Pblp Gray

Personal Best Leadership Project

Workforce Partnership

Business West

Downtown Stakeholders

Legends Outlet

Fair Fax Industrial Association

The budget for this project would include the following cost items:

Personnel Cost

Intern wages (matching funds)

Marketing and promotional Material

o Internal student campaign

o External business community campaign

Orientation and Bi-monthly meetings

Internship Participant Manual

Business and Industry Participant Manual

Recognition Awards and Certificates

Project Timeline

The goal is to start this internship project at the pilot level in January 2012 with

the orientation and placement of students during the spring and summer semester.

Student Internship Timeline:

10

Page 11: Caps 600 Pblp Gray

Personal Best Leadership Project

Fall Semester Spring Semester

August - September

Recruitment and Application

Process

Student Orientation

January - February

Recruitment and Application

Process

Student Orientation

September - October

Essential Employability Skills

Kansas Work Keys

Work Readiness Session

February – March

Essential Employability Skills

Kansas Work Keys

Work Readiness Session

October - November

Student Interview and Placement

March – April

Student Interview and Placement

November – December

Roundtable

Evaluation

April – May

Roundtable

Evaluation

Students participating in the program during the spring semester can be placed in the

summer or fall based on their interest and company availability.

Business and Industry Project Timeline

Recruitment for business and industry would be a continuous year round process.

Business participants would attend a scheduled orientation session to confirm

their commitment and receive manual outlining roles and responsibilities.

11

Page 12: Caps 600 Pblp Gray

Personal Best Leadership Project

Quarterly Business and Industry Roundtable sessions will be conducted for

participating companies to share best practices.

Project Measurement

The success of this project would be measured by the following elements:

Number of students recruited and retained into the program

o Goal: 25% new qualified over existing level

o Goal: 80% retention of all participants

Number of students placed in workplace sites

o Goal: 15 new students placed each semester

Number of academic areas participating

o Goal: Increase by 20% the existing base

Number of students that successfully complete the program with a

favorable placement evaluation

o Goal: 90% of existing participants

Number of businesses enrolled and participating in the program

o Goal: 20% increase of existing base

Income generated for program operation

o Goal: matching placement cost of five (5) students for operational

expenses

12

Page 13: Caps 600 Pblp Gray

Personal Best Leadership Project

MODEL THE WAY

“It is important for a leader to find their voice and be willing to stand up for their

beliefs” (Kouzes, Posner, 2007).

My desire to lead this project is grounded in my passion for empowering people

and facilitating change. I believe it is the responsibility and obligation of our institution

to be a viable resource in this community. Within our organization, we have the

necessary tools to meet the needs and make a difference for the citizens of our area. I

believe in the people of Wyandotte County, and our college can help make a difference in

the economic outcome for this community. We have the capacity to equip our students

with the skills required to make a difference in their ability to gain employment at a

higher level. Based on our relationships with business and industry, we can facilitate the

coming together of the two entities, the job seeker and the employer, which will enhance

our economic growth in this community. With the implementation of this program, we

can provide a second chance for some individuals that are indecisive in a career choice,

or lack the necessary skill sets needed to find employment in order to provide for

themselves and their families. The results of this program might not be seen

immediately, but over time we can help to make a difference in the unemployment rate of

our community.

13

Page 14: Caps 600 Pblp Gray

Personal Best Leadership Project

INSPIRE A SHARED VISION

A leader envisions the future by using the end result as their beginning.

Exemplary leaders are forward-looking. They are able to envision the future, to gaze

across the horizon of time and imagine the greater opportunities to come. While we all

think about the future; we all want tomorrow to be better than today (Kouzes & Posner,

2007). It is the role of a good leader to make sure that what they see is also something

that others can see. As the leader of this team, I will listen to my team members as we

define the possibilities. We will have sessions to just brainstorm and to determine

solutions to challenges. During this process, as a leader, I will work to find a common

purpose in our thoughts and move them to concrete action. It will be important for me to

research various practices and models as I plan ahead while working in the present

moment. As a team we need to constantly be thinking about what is next? We must

continue to ask if the present process is meeting our future needs and goals.

As a leader of this team, I am committed to listening to my team; providing

support and feedback; accepting responsibility for our actions and celebrating our success

as we build this program. As I listen, it will be with sensitivity for the aspirations of

others and discovering the common values that link us together. I am listening and

looking to find meaning. Finding the commonalities will help our team to share the

vision and produce outstanding results.

14

Page 15: Caps 600 Pblp Gray

Personal Best Leadership Project

CHALLENGE THE PROCESS

The Workforce Development Center’s internship program provides an

opportunity for individuals to have a choice in what they learn and how to utilize their

skills and be empowered to excel and achieve. Not every individual that seeks out the

services of a community college is looking to obtain credit hours or a degree.  Some

individuals want to obtain the skill sets and knowledge that will help them get a job, keep

a job, or start a new career.

The Workforce Development Center will provide the "bridge" of information;

skill sets and training based on current industry needs. With the rapid changes in our

community today, business and industry require individuals to be proactive, critical

thinkers and lifelong learners in order to stay competitive. 

This project will also allow business and industry to share with the educational

system (K-college) what the current trends are and the need for quickly changing

workforce base.  Our internship program will help individuals to train specifically in

these areas.  Whether an individual is preparing to enter the workplace for the first time

or re-entering due to life's circumstances they will be able to gain the foundation needed

at our institution.

The proposed internship program is a partnership of several areas within our

college. There will be some changes required as we integrate the areas and explore

various working models. Some of the traditional programs will need to be enhanced

based on our new findings. This will also provide us an opportunity to explore new

territory and create new pathways.

15

Page 16: Caps 600 Pblp Gray

Personal Best Leadership Project

Our team for this project has held preliminary pre-conversations about the

challenges of this project and identified them as the following:

Challenge Limitation Opportunity

Lack of funding Student not willing or

able to take an internship

without compensation

Establish endowment

fund or Corporate

Sponsorship

Student Participation Students lack

understanding of

internship value

Develop a new internal

campaign for internship

Quality student level Students with appropriate

GPA and/or skill set

Develop an orientation

program; mentorship

Advisor Participation Advisor’s lack of

knowledge and

understanding of program

Advisor Orientation and

model resources of

opportunities

Company Participation Companies that can meet

curriculum requirements

Make internship an ask

from all levels; Develop a

company support

program; request job

descriptions

Internal department

participation

Each area has their own

process or opt out of

participation; Not every

department has a general

Develop a campus wide

process that all

departments can support

and participate in;

16

Page 17: Caps 600 Pblp Gray

Personal Best Leadership Project

Internal department

participation (cont.)

internship course for

credit

Develop a general course

description that can be

utilized with minor

changes in each academic

area.

Recognition of

completers

Tracking students Establish an

evaluation/exit process;

Create a database of

completers and graduates;

Compare actual

completers with

graduates; Set up an

alumni base for

mentorship

As a leader of this project, it is important that I be prepared to seize the initiative.

There might be a point with this project that as a leader I will have to lead my team

through the adversity of the established order and keep them strong during the resistance

we might face. My task is to help the team bring new ideas, methods and solutions to this

program. As I do this, my constant thought is to challenge with a purpose.

ENABLE OTHERS TO ACT

17

Page 18: Caps 600 Pblp Gray

Personal Best Leadership Project

In order for this project to be successful I need to develop a cohesive and

collaborative team, beginning with trust as the foundational framework. As a leader, I

must give the power to others to have creativity and freedom to explore new ideas and

ways of thinking. This means relinquishing control and letting my team be responsible

for their jobs. After conducting the individual interviews, I have a better idea of each

person’s strengths, areas of expertise and their passion for this project. It will be my

responsibility to create a climate of collaboration. Our team must be built around

common purpose and mutual respect. These are all important elements that I have to

work at and cannot leave to chance.

Our project will require us to interact and exchange information at many levels,

internally with faculty, staff and students and externally with business and industry

leaders and community organizations. I have to lead the way and show my trust for our

team by listening more attentively, and sharing information and resources freely. There

will be opportunities for me to facilitate relationships between my team members and the

businesses I have interacted with over a period of time. This will also allow my team to

understand the value of reciprocity. As a leader, my foundation is based on the concept

that for cooperation to succeed, individuals need to understand that by working together

they will be able to accomplish something that no one can accomplish on their own

(Kouzes and Posner, 2003).

ENCOURAGE THE HEART

18

Page 19: Caps 600 Pblp Gray

Personal Best Leadership Project

To me, “encourage the heart” means to recognize and acknowledge the

accomplishments of my team. We will work hard and we will enjoy the journey. I have

to have faith in my team that they are willing to do their best. If I expect great things

from my team, they will give me their best. If I set clear expectations and goals for my

team, then our focus on the end result will keep us on track. This means that I must

provide feedback consistently. There will ideas that might not work. Together we will

acknowledge our efforts, revaluate what went wrong and then quickly work through it

and try again. My encouragement will allow my team to reach inside and do their best.

They must know that I believe in them and will recognize their contributions to this

project.

Acknowledging the contributions of others is important to me. This can be shown

in a variety ways. It can be a note, email, or stopping by and saying “thank you”. There

will be times when I might do something really small and crazy to say thank you like

bring them treats from my favorite bakery. Then there might be other times when I will

suggest they make the presentation during one of our meetings. I would also encourage

them to present our project as a paper for a professional conference. This says to my

team that I am willing to share the spotlight and I have faith in them as a member of our

team that is focused on our ultimate goal.

CONCLUSION

19

Page 20: Caps 600 Pblp Gray

Personal Best Leadership Project

I have enough passion for the project to believe that it will work and can bring

great value to our institution and our community. I have the ability and experience to

lead my team and create a climate that enhances learning, cultivates resiliency and make

something extraordinary happen.

Our team will have the ability to meet individuals that enter our program where

they are, and help them transition throughout their journey. We will treat each person

with dignity, respect and compassion while challenging them to be and do their best.

When individuals leave this experience, they will have the skill sets needed to

find employment and the confidence to be successful. The business and industry

community will look to us as a positive resource, and be confident that if they receive a

student from our program they are ready to enter the workplace.

As a result of the project I will gain personal growth and enhance my skills as a

leader as I execute action for change. My team members will also gain exposure,

confidence and personal growth while making a difference and creating change. My

involvement with others on this project will provide me with the prospect to share my

vision and passion for empowering others to act and excel. I will continue to bridge the

gap that challenges the process of information that dispels the myths about our abilities as

an institution and a community. Throughout this journey, I will apply my leadership

skills to model the way. I will seek out opportunities to have motivational discussions

and always find opportunities to encourage others from my heart. I value my team and

their contributions and will find moments often to celebrate our efforts as we create

change.

References

20

Page 21: Caps 600 Pblp Gray

Personal Best Leadership Project

Klein, Aaron. "Levels the Playing Field for Community Colleges." Aaron Klein. Web. 12

Dec. 2011. http://www.aaronklein.com

Kouzes J. and Posner, B (2007). The leadership challenge, 4th Edition. Jossey-Bass, San

Francisco, CA

Kouzes, J. and Posner, B. (2003) The leadership challenge workbook. Hobken, NJ:

Wiley

21