County Leadership Program Emphasizes Connection
Participants in the Sauk County Institute of Leadership (SCIL) met in the Compeer Financial conference room in Prairie du Sac on Thursday, October 13, 2022 to learn about leadership skills that are highly effective and often seem invisible. The session was themed “Leading Between the Lines.”
The day began with a welcome address by Donna Crary, Business Technology Team Leader at Compeer Financial and member of the SCIL Board. Donna shared her professional background and her inspirational SCIL story.
Morgan McArthur, Community Development Educator for the University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension Sauk County navigated the group through a session on connecting with others by asking good questions. He also led a conversation on two of the Habits of Highly Effective People by author Stephen Covey – making distinctions between what we can and can’t control in life and listening with empathy.
Ellen Klima, SCIL Coordinator, led the group in exercises to engage in one-on-one conversations prompted by pre-selected questions. The speed-dating style format reinforced the connecting skills and replicated what one might experience at a networking event. These are the so-called ‘invisible’ skills – so named because they seem obvious but are seldom taught.
The group also enjoyed a presentation by Lindsey Geise, Executive Director of River Arts, Inc. She shared the story of the evolution of the Great Sauk State Trail (GSST), including the process and timeline of completion of the trail thus far and the art and interpretive panels that visitors can enjoy along the 11-mile route from Prairie du Sac to Devil’s Lake State Park.
The last session of the day was “Leading in Times of Stress.” Presenters were Deb O’Rourke, Sauk County Family Court Commissioner, Dr. Jessica Mijal, Director of Sauk County Human Services, and Terry Spencer, Sauk County District 2 Supervisor and former Lieutenant of the Sauk County Sheriff’s Department. These people have dedicated their lives to public service and shared with us the stress they encounter in their daily work. The personal tips for self-care they imparted for coping with the pressure and their passion for helping people clearly speak to their steadfastness in their respective fields.
Written by Angela Lowe
