Curriculum

The Curriculum of the Rocky Mountain Program is based on our model of effective public sector leadership, as illustrated by the model below:

SETTING THE STAGE

This session addresses the recent history of the public sector and the challenges facing it. Participants will understand the implications of major reform movements throughout the 20th Century, learn about the importance of social capital and learn about the new realities of American public life.

MEETING OF THE MINDS

Using the Emergenetics Instrument, this session helps participants take full advantage of their thinking and behaving attributes. Participants will walk away with tools and techniques to improve their leadership skills.

SIGNATURE LEADERSHIP

Just as each person’s signature is unique, every leader has their unique leadership style. This session focuses on the attributes, strengths, and practices that make up the unique “leadership signature” of each participant.

AN EVENING WITH THOMAS JEFFERSON

Through a discussion with a Thomas Jefferson character interpreter, this session takes participants back to our democratic roots and puts current issues and challenges into perspective by looking at them through an historical lens.

LEADING IN CHALLENGING TIMES – THE ROLE OF ADAPTIVE LEADERSHIP

This interactive session uses Sir Earnest Shackleton’s Voyage of endurance as a case study and metaphor for public leadership. Developing adaptive leadership skills are emphasized.

WHEN TEAMS WORK BEST
A thorough exploration of extensive research into what makes teams work which will help participants harness the power of cooperation and teamwork for increased productivity and effectiveness.

NAVIGATING THE POLITICAL WATERS
A study of the relationship between staff and their elected officials that will discuss politics as choices among conflicting values, compare political and administrative values and perspectives and identify translating and aligning roles for chief administrative officers.

SYSTEM THINKING AND SOCIAL SYSTEMS

Systems thinking is a core competency that focuses on continuously enhancing the capabilities of people to see reality and take effective action within a complex system to create their desired future.

CREATIVITY AND COMMUNICATION – IMPROVISATIONAL LEADERSHIP
This highly entertaining and energizing session underscores the power of creativity and laughter for breaking barriers, making connections, finding solutions and building relationships.

The Rocky Mountain Program may be used in meeting the requirements for many professional development requirements, including the Credentialed City manager program offered through ICMA. In addition, participants may earn college credit if desired.