Pickens County Leadership Enhancement Academy for Public Servants

About the Program

Category: County Administration and Management (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

The Pickens County Leadership Enhancement Academy for Public Servants (LEAPS) is a cross-functional leadership development program designed to equip emerging leaders in Pickens County Government with knowledge and resources to be successful as leaders and managers. LEAPS’ mission statement is to “foster an environment of learning and collaboration to cultivate leaders in local government who are equipped to lead individuals and teams to effectively serve our communities.” Between February and April, participants meet weekly for a one-hour class that includes instruction, cohort discussion and time to network with the entire class. Each participant is assigned a county staff mentor who is a graduate of the NACo High Performance Leadership Academy. Participants engage weekly outside of class with their mentor in an application assignment designed to demonstrate competency in the subject matter discussed that week in class. Courses are designed to help staff develop power skills not necessarily learned as part of their on-the-job training. Course topics include: The Leadership Mindset, Communication, Coaching and Teamwork, Diversity and Inclusion, Change Management, Accountability, Project Management and Stress Management. Participants have the opportunity to earn an enhanced certificate of completion by fulfilling at least four mentor-approved community service hours while enrolled in the program.