Big Sky, Big Leadership (BSBL) offered to and embraced by community members

Published: 2022
By Mary Rumph

The need to build and enhance leadership skills in our community was identified by participants in ReImagining Rural, a webinar series that redefines the concept of rurality. Working closely with a devoted steering committee, a holiday mixer that taught Gracious Space communication principles was attended by 34 participants. The attendees learned the four elements of better collaborating with others by showing positive intent (spirit); providing a welcoming setting, inviting the stranger, and learning in public. Following the mixer, BSBL was launched. Twenty-three community members participated in the intensive, in-depth leadership series from January through May. Each session consisted of a skill-building experience and a community-based experience. The skill-building included generations, community asset mapping, Real Colors personality evaluation, Leading Local and Leadership Challenge. Participants gained a better understanding of their community; improved the effectiveness of meetings and actions of a board or group in which they were a member; became a better leader at home, work or in their community; and gained a greater appreciation of others. BSBL received a $3,000 School Community Development (SCDC) grant to create a more welcoming space downtown; and cleared an abandoned property of trash and debris, and received another $3,000 SCDC grant to fund the BSBL in 2023. • Generations: MSU Extension Community Development Specialist Tara Mastel led the generations workshop. Participants generated valuable information on the experiences that formed and shaped five generations. A local multi-generational, family-owned business panel shared what is rewarding and challenging about working together. • Community Asset Mapping: MSU Extension Rosebud/Treasure Agent Jennifer Anderson helped participants map the community's assets by first defining the community and then brainstorming the assets. Areas included people, jobs, infrastructure, location, available resources, organizations, events and culture. • 'Real Colors' helps people understand human behavior. People recognize, accept and learn to value the differences in others and increase understanding, empathy and communication with others. By understanding co-worker preferences, the correct job or tasks can be assigned. Health professionals shared self-care and mental health issues, and shared their missions and methods for connecting with the community. • Leading Local: Participants learned how to hold effective meetings, engage board members, have crucial conversations and inspire vision. The community tour explored the roles and responsibilities of town and county government offices. • Leadership Challenge, presented by Dan Clark, MSU Local Government Center, inspired people to share a vision and model the way. Clark also taught Board Leadership Training to 16 community volunteers active on boards the day before Big Sky Big Leadership.