Self Awareness

Great view from our seminar room. The whole CCL facility is pretty incredible. They joke that it's not a good place for people who suffer from paranoia since it's filled with two-way mirrors for observations and feedback.

CCL's definition of leadership is excellent. They identify the tasks of leadership as (1) setting direction, (2) creating alignment and (3) maintaining momentum.

Today's focus was on understanding yourself. Covered two assessments today, the CPI 260 and the FIRO-B. In the CPI 260, I was identified as an "Implementer." So were the majority of our group. I don't know how to describe the results of the FIRO-B here. The focus of the day was on understanding how your personality and behavioral patterns influence your leadership style.

Several take-aways today...several specific things I can improve on. And one of the most interesting things about this training is the development of an ongoing plan for change and some additional coaching over the next few weeks.

I'm predicting that the biggest take-away for me will be in the area of giving feedback. I know I have a lot to learn. In one of my group exercises today I couldn't help but notice how free some of the guys were at giving each other feedback and how reluctant I was to offer critical assessments. But we'll see. There might be some surprising insights that open up areas of development I'm not very aware of.

LDP at the CCL in CO

Okay, that stands for Leadership Development Program at the Center for Creative Leadership in Colorado. That's where I'm at right now. Arrived Sunday night. Finished first day and I'm writing this post while watching 24. I'm sleepy and need a good, long night sleep.

This is very different from any other conference I've ever been to before. I guess it's not really a conference as much as it's training. First, I'm the only pastor in the group. I'm here with CFO's, managers, directors and other leaders from businesses as diverse as John Deere, Express, Pittsburgh Power and Light and other businesses. Second, we're a small group of 19. Third, this is way more expensive than anything I've ever attended before. It costs more than a year's tuition at either of my sons' universities. But I applied for a substantial scholarship last year and got it! Fourth, I had to take five different assessments before coming, and several Board members, staff and non-staff leaders filled out two assessments on my leadership style. Fifth, it's very hands-on and interactive. We get video taped on certain exercises, give each other lots of feedback and practice the skills we're learning right away. I'm tired after day one, but energized too.

I've been looking at coming to the CCL for several years. I just never thought it would be possible because of the cost. I'm blessed to be here.