LEADERSHIP POSITIONING IN COUNTIES: BUILDING A COMPETETIVE ADVANTAGE
Leadership and Administrative Skills
Paul Westfall
County Extension Director, Retired
NC Cooperative Extension
OXFORD
Abstract
With the ever-increasing pressure on public funding to support programs, Cooperative Extension staff members need to find ways to build leadership capacity and establish lines of communication to better position Cooperative Extension to compete for resources. While there are extensive materials available to assist with program development, to work with volunteers, and to work with advisory councils and committees, less information is available that focuses on building relationships with individuals and organizations, or to assist with the non-formal efforts extension staff conducts on a daily basis to build relationships. A survey was conducted to ask County Managers and County Extension Directors (CED) which governmental and non-governmental groups and individuals a CED should build relationships with. The survey results indicate that County Managers and County Extension Directors agree that establishing relationships with elected and apopointed officials and with leaders of community organizations will strengthen Cooperative Extension’s leadership position in counties. One suggestion to build relationships is to develop lists of governmental and community leaders, develop an action plan, and meet individually with each person to discuss issues and determine Cooperative Extension’s role in dealing with those issues. Extension staff members are often asked business-related questions during non-working hours. Taking time to respond, promising a response, and showing interest are appropriate in these circumstances. Some members of the community have tremendous influence on public policy and decision-making. However, they prefer to stay behind the scenes. Efforts should be made to identify these influential people and establish lines of communication.
Authors: Westfall, P.
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Westfall, P. County Extension Director, North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Granville County, North Carolina, 27565