Different perspectives, stronger teams: Rushing inspires MCC Eagles Leadership Convocation class
What if the key to being a better leader starts with realizing that not everyone sees the world the same way you do?
That was one of the messages Kassi Rushing, director of organizational strategy and team member experience at Blue Hen Agency, shared with Meridian Community College’s Eagles Leadership Convocation (E.L.C.) Class of 2026 during a recent session.
“One of the biggest ah-ha moments people have is when they realize their way isn’t the only way,” Rushing said.
The guest speaker added, “It is a foundation of strong leadership to understand the
variance of perspectives. Just that they exist, not even that you know what they all
are. In any room, there are going to be many approaches to whatever topic is on the
table.”
Rushing guided the class through the DISC behavior assessment tool, which helps individuals
identify their strengths, wiring, and communication styles. She encouraged participants
to use their results not as excuses — “that’s just the way I am” — but as starting
points for growth.
“The beauty is once you have that ah-ha moment, you become a better leader,” she said.
Rhonda Smith, college and career navigator, noted Rushing’s talk was helpful. “I recognized I need to learn my own behavior styles first before I can become an effective member of a good team,” Smith said.
She added, “We need each other’s unique set of skills and leadership qualities to be our best selves for those we serve both inside our organization and in our community.”
Smith described herself as an introvert and tries to avoid conflict. “However, during our session, I learned through the DISC Assessment that 'healthy conflict' is a vital part of a great team's level of success,” she said, adding, “Now, how I plan to implement that in my day-to-day work cycle is yet to come, but I think I'm up for the challenge.”
The workshop was part of the E.L.C.’s focus on leadership development, using Patrick Lencioni’s The Five Dysfunctions of a Team as a guide.
The E.L.C. Class of 2026 includes: Veronica Fox, assistant director of student accounts;
Jawanda Huggins, biological science instructor; Eric Jones, Welding Program coordinator
and instructor; Chris King, director of bands; Parker Manley, workforce project manager;
James Runnels, director of IT and systems analyst; Rhonda Smith, college and career
navigator; Crystal Sterling, mathematics instructor; Dr. Tommy Winston, Physical Therapist
Assistant Program coordinator and instructor. MCC President Dr. Tom Huebner and Dr.
Leia Hill, vice president for institutional advancement and executive director of
the MCC Foundation, are facilitators for E.L.C.
For more information about the MCC Eagles Leadership Convocation, visit meridiancc.edu/elc.