To the Editor,

As an employee of Robeson County, I have high regard for county administration and our Board of County Commissioners for their support of the Robeson Leadership Academy. The Robeson Leadership Academy had trained 80 county employees to function as a team, while improving their individual efficiency in their jobs. The economic cost is minuscule compared to the knowledge gained by the participants in the program.

Cathy Graham is the motivational force behind the Leadership Academy. She is the director of the Cooperative Extension Office. Cathy displays compassion and true conviction in sharing her knowledge and wisdom on the many subjects. In every leadership session specific topics were discussed with practical instructions and obtainable application. Topics included effective communication, diversity, conflict resolution, county trivia, and a community service project. One of my most notable experiences was training on the “Conscious Discipline Brain Model.” When this concept began to sink in, I realized how important emotional intelligence is in managing my own self.

Another important tool used in the Robeson County Leadership Academy was Human Patterns, which is a self-administered instrument listing individual preferences and personal resources. My own Human Patterns analysis was on target. A detailed description of my behavior in different scenarios was an accurate depiction of me in my personal and professional life.

In the Leadership Academy, each participant learns how their thoughts, attitude, behavior and communication styles impact every person in their lives. The common sense approach used by our instructor is something we can apply in our everyday lives. This can positively impact county employees, our children, parents, church members, neighbors and all the citizens of Robeson County. The program is designed to encourage personal and professional development of county employees without regard to their role in the organization. My hope is that every county employee will have the opportunity to experience Robeson County Leadership Academy.

Thanks again to administration and Cathy Graham for implementation of the 2012 Leadership Academy.

Sanford Locklear

Co-leader of Spring 2012 Leadership Academy

Pembroke