Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Managers®

By Barbara Taft, CPM
btaft@octp.org

The Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Managers® is starting this 19th year of success representing Oklahoma well, both publicly and professionally. We are looking ahead to a great year with plans for many activities to enhance our leaders. Our L3 (Leadership, Lunch and Learn) Series of continuing education is an eagerly anticipated quarterly event, which provides an opportunity for learning, fellowship, and networking. The venue is set for presenters with expertise on various topics from both inside and outside our membership.

The Society opened its 2008 Leadership Lunch and Learn Series on March 12 with “Improving Employee Morale.” Dawanta Parks, a CPM, Southeast Area Board Member, and 11-year ODOT employee, demonstrated how coaching, mentoring, teambuilding, and celebrating success can move employee morale from good to great. Communication is key for a healthy working environment. By understanding the basic needs of each individual, supervisors can develop, manage, and improve employee morale creating windows of opportunity for both the employee and employer. Nearly 30 members and guests attended and enjoyed lunch from the Winnie Mae Café at the Oklahoma History Center.
 
In addition to his public employment with ODOT, Parks serves as an Infantry Platoon Sergeant in the Oklahoma Army National Guard, and has volunteered as a mentor for disadvantaged youth in the Guard’s Mentorship Program. He serves as a positive role model helping juvenile offenders make better decisions, improve their self image and become productive citizens. Parks is also a Group Leader / Therapist at Parent Assistances Center (PAC) teaching compassion, parenting skills, and battering intervention. He has also been deployed to combat in Bosnia and Afghanistan.

© Copyright 2008, American Association of Certified Public Managers®