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Error! Table not allowed in footnote, endnote, header, footer, comment, or text box. r Personal Best Leadership Project Marisa Crawford Gray CAPS 600 PC Graduate Project Fall Session Three, 2011 December 16, 2011 Southwestern College Professional Studies

Personal Best Leadership Project TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract Introduction/Background Overview Of Organization Project Description Internship Program Details Organization Of Team Project Timeline Business And Industry Project Timeline Project Measurement Model The Way Inspire A Shared Vision Challenge The Process Enable Others To Act Encourage From The Heart Conclusion Reference 3 4 4 6 7 8 10 11 11 13 14 15 18 19 20 21

Personal Best Leadership Project Abstract In todays 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

Personal Best Leadership Project In todays 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 todays students are learning to hate. We cant 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 programs 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.

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 Kelloggs; 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.

Personal Best Leadership Project Project Description The goal of this project is to develop an internship program within KCKCCs 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 completely new trade. For others it might be building on existing skills, and for the more

Personal Best Leadership Project advanced, it might be adding new dimensions and then repackaging themselves to reenter 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. 2) Business and industry: participation, support and retention.

Personal Best Leadership Project 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 interviews with each of them, I have developed a better understanding of what I need to

Personal Best Leadership Project 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

Personal Best Leadership Project Workforce Partnership Business West Downtown Stakeholders Legends Outlet Fair Fax Industrial Association

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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:

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Fall Semester August - September Recruitment and Application Process Student Orientation

Spring Semester 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.

Personal Best Leadership Project Business participants would attend a scheduled orientation session to confirm their commitment and receive manual outlining roles and responsibilities. Quarterly Business and Industry Roundtable sessions will be conducted for participating companies to share best practices.

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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

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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.

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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.

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CHALLENGE THE PROCESS The Workforce Development Centers 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

Personal Best Leadership Project based on our new findings. This will also provide us an opportunity to explore new territory and create new pathways. Our team for this project has held preliminary pre-conversations about the challenges of this project and identified them as the following:

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Challenge Lack of funding

Limitation Student not willing or able to take an internship without compensation

Opportunity Establish endowment fund or Corporate Sponsorship Develop a new internal campaign for internship

Student Participation

Students lack understanding of internship value

Quality student level

Students with appropriate GPA and/or skill set

Develop an orientation program; mentorship

Advisor Orientation and model resources of opportunities

Advisor Participation

Advisors lack of knowledge and understanding of program

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

Each area has their own

Develop a campus wide

Personal Best Leadership Project participation process or opt out of participation; Not every Internal department participation (cont.) department has a general internship course for credit process that all

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departments can support and participate in; 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.

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ENABLE OTHERS TO ACT 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 persons 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).

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ENCOURAGE THE HEART 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.

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CONCLUSION 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

Personal Best Leadership Project their contributions and will find moments often to celebrate our efforts as we create change. References

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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