E.L.C. members learn strategies in leadership styles
Exploring ways to adapt leadership styles and improve teamwork were highlights of Meridian Community College's Eagles Leadership Convocation (E.L.C.) Class session, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team with DISC.
"We kicked off their deep leadership development instruction," said guest speaker Kassi Rushing about the session. "What we focused on was leading self. So, knowing ourselves, our strengths, our wiring, and our communication styles can help us lead ourselves well and turn around and lead others even better."
Rushing, director of organizational strategy and team member experience with the business and consulting services company Blue Hen Agency, shared with the E.L.C. cohort her life's work. Using "DISC," a behavior assessment tool, Rushing showed E.L.C. participants how to understand their style and improve teamwork.
E.L.C. is an academic year-long professional development and leadership program comprising 10 MCC faculty and staff members.
The Class of 2025 cohort includes Darren Bane, director of workforce development; Jaterra Hurst, women's basketball assistant coach; William Davidson, associate dean for institutional research; Casey Holladay, director of social media; Phyllis Holladay, Eagles Scholars Program coordinator and mathematics instructor; Matthew Milner, lead media specialist/videographer; Jim Price, director of facilities management; Flora Sumrall, Business Office Management Technology Program and Accounting Technology Program coordinator and instructor; Crystal Webster, director of student accounts; and Marion Whiting, director of housing and student activities. 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. Jaycee Butler, executive assistant to the vice president for institutional advancement and MCC Foundation office coordinator, is the assistant for the program.
E.L.C. members connected with the ideas Rushing presented. "This is very informative; it changes how I interact with my colleagues," Davidson said. One of the best takeaways from Rushing's talk for Phyllis Holladay was the importance of a leader being self-aware.
The next E.L.C. session is on Friday, Oct. 11, where Dr. Alexandria White, senior vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion at ReBoot Accel, will speak.
For more information about the MCC Eagles Leadership Convocation, visit meridiancc.edu/elc.