The Leadership Institute - 2008 Update

By Steve Mastro, CPM
stevemastro@sbcglobal.net

In 2001, AACPM leaders developed the concept of a Leadership Institute to provide continuing education for Certified Public Managers®. The Institute was active for the 2002, 2003 and 2004 AACPM Professional Development conferences. Since then, the Academy has been striving to more clearly define the Institute. That undertaking made great progress last September in Madison when the HOD approved the Institute’s Vision, Mission, and Goals, as presented below.

Vision Statement: Certified Public Managers® will become the core of public sector leaders. Although CPM’s have been trained as managers, this does not necessarily mean they have all the skills necessary to be effective leaders. The Leadership Institute will be a means to develop leadership competencies.

Mission Statement: The AACPM Leadership Institute will help managers further enhance the skills and competencies that are necessary for Certified Public Managers® to become the core of public sector leaders and prepare them to advance to leadership roles at the Society and Academy level, as well as in government and non-profit organizations.

Goal: Ultimately, the goal of the Leadership Institute is to provide access to effective training in relevant areas to cultivate and refine leadership skills. Continual development of new leaders will not only strengthen the member Societies and the Academy, but CPMs who choose to serve in leadership roles will also increase awareness of the value of the CPM credentials. It is our hope that by reestablishing the Leadership Institute, as described above, and making it an integral part of the AACPM Annual Professional Development Conference, there will be an increased desire by public managers to attend the conference.

In support of the objectives, training topics have been assembled in three general areas: General Management, including topics such as leadership and team building skills; Skills for first time board members, covering topics such as budget development and management, conducting effective meetings, effective communication, developing and managing websites, and non-profit management; and finally, Academy Board level training, which will instruct members on following mandates established by Bylaws, Standard Operating Procedures and HOD directives, as well as the effective management and use of committees.

At this time, the major priorities of the 2008 Committee are establishing the most effective program delivery methods and the requirements to be a graduate of the Leadership Institute. Initially, the delivery method will be through the Annual AACPM Professional Development Conference. Several breakout sessions to meet the preliminary Leadership Institute criteria are being planned for the 2008 Conference. These sessions will be specifically identified, and those participating in these sessions should maintain a record of their attendance. Once the final LI program requirements are enacted, the Committee will begin accepting submissions of training portfolios for consideration from any CPM wishing to achieve the distinction of a Leadership Institute graduate.

I hope to see all of you in Columbus this September and welcome your feedback as we continue to develop this program.

© Copyright 2008, American Association of Certified Public Managers®