“Growth Through the Gift of Others”: SCIL Students Practice Empathy in October Session

“Growth through the gift of others” is how retired Sauk Prairie School District Administrator Cliff Thompson sums up the importance of connection and openness to others’ ideas in leadership. This theme was recurring throughout the October session of Sauk County Institute of Leadership.

SCIL is a nine-month immersive leadership course led by Morgan McArthur of UW-Madison Extension Sauk County. A group of 20 developing leaders meets monthly to work on strengthening their leadership skills and to see some of the hidden gems Sauk County has to offer.

The community of Sauk Prairie was in the SCIL spotlight this month. The group started at 6:8 in Sauk City and received a heartfelt welcome to the space from 6:8, Inc. co-director John Ramthun. Ramthun told his deeply personal story of feeling called to leadership despite reluctance to work with people in his science career. He gave wonderful examples of how he and his staff “make charity personal” at 6:8 and how all are welcome there. The visit ended with a tour of the Sauk Prairie Area Food Pantry, where Kris Ballweg offered a hands-on perspective of how the pantry works for families in need.

Next, the group went to Compeer Financial in Prairie du Sac for more exciting and engaging presentations. In addition to empathy and connection, this session also highlighted professionals in Sauk County who deal with crises or have high-stress jobs. Tywana German, Executive Director of the Sauk Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce, spoke about the childcare crisis in the local area and a novel community solution. Childcare is the number-one cost barrier to families who would otherwise move to Sauk Prairie, German said. She emphasized that a “collaborative approach” with “give and take” between people is the only way to solve this problem. This approach can serve as a model for future economic development.

A highlight of the next session, a panel of local leaders who manage stressful jobs, was the introduction of the “empathy interview” as a way to connect with others. Sauk Prairie School District Superintendent Jeff Wright encouraged the class to show concern by asking questions rather than offering advice right away. Former SCIL facilitator Jenny Erickson echoed this focus on empathy, teaching the advice of Stephen Covey to “seek first to understand and then to be understood.” 

Then, in a class favorite, participants had the chance to “connect-work” and conduct their own empathy interviews with classmates. This one-on-one time allowed for deeper connection between SCILsters. The beautiful Great Sauk State Trail served as the backdrop for this time of listening.

Thompson ended the day with his message about approaching others with “greatness, goodness, gentleness and gratitude.” His years of educational and community leadership shone through in his humble yet powerful words.

It’s only month two of nine, but this SCIL class has hit the ground running and participants are looking forward to what’s to come.

Written by Haley Siehoff and Grace Vosen