Have you ever thought about the fact that if you train employees, they expect you to model the behavior also?

 

This is one of Linda M. Farley's recent tweets that begs the question, "Is there more I should be doing?" Linda's website is full of insightful hints and tips on leadership, management, accountability, etc. Linda is a trainer, writer, speaker and instructional designer. If you missed seeing her in person at our last educational event, click on the link below and visit her website!

 

Linda M. Farley

http://LMFarley.com

Thanks to everyone who took the time to answer our 2010 End-of-Year survey. Your input is very valuable, and rest assured, YOUR Alumni Board takes the time to read the results and will use the information to plan events for 2011. We now have about 484 graduates! We hope to be able to offer social and educational events which will be of interest to ALL of our graduates.

Some of the information we got from the survey included:

·         The reason some of you did not attend events was due to schedule conflicts

(In 2011, events will be scheduled well in advance; hopefully we can keep the schedule conflicts to a minimum)

·         The majority of our respondents said the don't read the Newsletter regularly

(We will continue to improve the technical aspects of the newsletter to make it more user-friendly)

·         The majority of alumni who answered the survey were from the most recent graduating classes

(We hope to offer events to re-engage alumni from all classes - 1999 to 2010)

 

Thanks again for taking time to complete the survey, and thanks for your continued support of YOUR Leadership Lab Alumni Board.

 

Leadership Lab Alumni Association

Alumni Association: 

 

Being a part of the Alumni Association will allow you to continue networking and building relationships with other Leadership Lab graduates representing a number of companies within our San Antonio business community.

You can also "give back" and stay involved by participating in different committees within the Alumni Association and the North Chamber.

Pay your $50 annual dues and you will be able to...

·         Stay connected with the Leadership Lab program and have an opportunity to get more involved with the Alumni Association and North Chamber by participating in different committees

·         Network with 484 Leadership Lab graduates from many companies within our San Antonio business community and attend all alumni social events for free or at a discounted price

·         Continue your leadership education and promote the Leadership Lab program by participating in all education events where you and a guest can attend for free

·         Expand your business and community awareness by attending North Chamber events held throughout the year at a discounted price

Alumni Association Calendar of Events for 2011:

March 10 -Membership "kick-off"

Network with fellow Leadership Lab graduates and learn about upcoming alumni events

April - Social Event

Enjoy good food and fun with fellow alumni

May - Education Event

Continue your education on topics covered during Leadership Lab

June - Community Event

Give back to your community by serving others

July 13 - Leadership Lab Class Throwdown

Show your class spirit and the Leadership Lab class with most attendees gets bragging rights

August - Education Event

Continue your education on topics covered during Leadership Lab

September - Family Social Event

Enjoy the new school year with alumni and family

October 8 - Community Event: Lucky Duck Race

Promote your company and "adopt" ducks for chances to win great prizes and support Haven for Hope

November 9 - Membership Drive

Network with fellow alumni and the 2011 class 

December 2 - Holiday Party

Celebrate Leadership Lab friendships made throughout the years at our annual holiday event

 

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Over the last nine months I witnessed an amazing group of leaders experience quite an adventure with 100% participation and enthusiasm.  The 2010 class has put into action my favorite quote and made me a better leader, so thank you for being my inspiration every session.  "Inspire others to be the best by being your best"

  

You journeyed through self discovery about learning who you are, what your values are and what they mean in your daily lives.  You learned about gaining trust by being led by the hand and in the arms of others you barely new.  You learned that competition really is fun (especially when dressing sheep)!  You learned how to communicate through the use of stories, technology and by demonstrating accountability and responsibility.  You learned that change happens whether you are ready for it or not and that it is ok to recognize everyone handles change differently or not at all.  You learned that a true leader understands the importance of giving back within your community - not just financial but giving of yourself is a precious gift and makes a difference.  You learned about personal financial freedom and its impact on you and those around you personally and professionally.  You learned the art of negotiation - some more than others.  You learned that integrity is more than just a word it is a way of living your life everyday.  Sometimes that might mean standing by your integrity means you might be left standing alone.

 

You learned your strengths and the gift of others' strengths.  You learned how to deal with real work place issues.  You learned that branding is not just about product it is important for you to brand yourself.  And what great chili can be made and marketed.  And most importantly you learned that a true leaders are selfless, stay grounded and build balance in their lives.

 

This year's lab would not have been possible without the help and generosity of so many people.  Thank you to all the speakers that brought wisdom and knowledge to each session.  Thank you to Cindy Stynchula and Diane Simpson for beginning our year with an outstanding foundation and ending our year with new challenges.  Thank you to all the financial and site sponsors for the 2010 Leadership Lab: Security Service Federal Credit Union, H-E-B, Frost Bank, Rackspace Hosting, Leadership Lab Alumni Board, University of Incarnate Word, SAWS, Morgan's Wonderland, St. Mary's University, Our Lady of the Lake University, and Cibolo Creek Ranch.  And thanks to all the wonderful volunteers that generously gave of their time to make each session extra special.  And what would our year have been like without Marilyn White and Chris Bugg to keep us on our toes.  Most of all I would like to thank Jamie Suriano my Chair-Elect for being my partner in crime over the past year.  Jamie's enthusiasm and passion is contagious and the 2011 Leadership Lab will be phenomenal.  Best wishes on your new journey Jamie!

 

Congratulations to the 2010 Leadership Lab - Best Class Ever!  Join me in congratulating the new board members for the Leadership Lab Alumni Board Elizabeth Stamper, Malcolm McGee, Jami Champagne, and Kristy Walston. 

 

 Heather Felty, 2010 Leadership Lab Chair

I am ecstatic to be the Chair of the 2011 Leadership Lab (LLab). My experience as a participant in the 2007 class changed both my professional and my personal life. I have since been an avid champion of the LLab by volunteering and serving on the Leadership Lab Alumni Board, planning LLab sessions and recruiting applicants and sponsors for Leadership Lab each year since graduating.  I, along with my Co-Chair, Larry Lapaglia, Quality/Risk Management Lead, with Accenture LLC, will guide next year's class through this unique program that provides participants a laboratory to experiment with their individual leadership style and enhance their skills in a safe environment.   Along the way, participants have opportunities to make professional connections and personal friendships with their classmates.

  

To date the Leadership Lab Class of 2011 has received over 50 applicants and we are in the process of selecting the participants!  We have site sponsors for all sessions and some premier sponsors.  We still need 3 Book sponsors and 4 Premier sponsors.  If you are interested in more information about sponsorship, contact Jamie Suriano at suriano.jamie@heb.com with the word SPONSOR in the Subject line.  A huge "Thank You" to the 2011 LLab Sponsorship and Recruiting Committee for their hard work and to all of you LLab graduates who have spread the word about the program.

  

The 2011 LLab Planning Team is conducting "experiments" to improve the program. Based on our 2010 LLab experience and the evaluations, the LLab Planning Team is making numerous changes to enhance the program while continuing many of its popular and successful aspects.

  

Some of the anticipated changes for the 2011 LLab sessions include adding locations such as Wells Fargo and The Westin La Cantera; topics such as Negotiation Skills, Difficult Conversations, Emotional Intelligence, Listening and Mock City Council. Returning favorites will include the two-day retreat at the Flying L Ranch in Bandera, the chili cook-off at Rio Cibolo Ranch, and the sessions on Personal Values, the DiSC Profile and StrengthsFinder.

  

Looking to stay involved in the Leadership Lab program?  Volunteer on the LLab Planning Team. We need your help to plan and implement next year's sessions.   Contact Jamie Suriano at suriano.jamie@heb.com with the word VOLUNTEER in the Subject line if you are interested.

  

Graduates of the LLab assume greater leadership roles within their organizations and seize opportunities for involvement in the community.  Relationships developed help tear down walls and build bridges to the future for our city.  The North Chamber Builds Business...Builds Leaders. 

  

I am grateful to have the honor of representing the Leadership Lab Alumni and the North Chamber as the 2011 Leadership Lab Chair.  Have a blessed and safe Holiday!

 

Jamie Suriano

Leadership Lab Chair

 

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Monica Gutierrez, Lab 2008 - President Alumni Association, H-E-B

Jamie Suriano, Lab 2007 - LLab Chair, H-E-B

Larry Lapaglia, Lab 2008 - LLab Chair-elect, Accenture

 

LLab 2010 Board Members

Elizabeth Stamper - Leadership Lab Alumnus

Jami Champagne - Westin La Cantera Resort

Kristy Walston - Family Service Association

Malcolm McGee - CMIT Solutions  

 

LLab 2009 Board Members

Alan Harmon - Marmon Mok

Joseph Baumgartner - SWBC

Mason Hester - Leadership Lab Alumnus

Melissa Unsell - elumicor

 

At-Large Board Members

Aaron Coleman, Lab 2007 - Leadership Lab Alumnus

Cari Takao, Lab 2006 - Fisher, Herbst & Kemble, P.C.

Deanna Stewart-Parker, Lab 2001 - Leadership Lab Alumnus

Jennifer Van Cleave, Lab 2006 - Padgett, Stratemann & Co., LLP

Joanna Baltierra, Lab 2006 - Padgett, Stratemann & Co., LLP

Judy Allan, Lab 2002 - Leadership Lab Alumnus

Karen Guz, Lab 2004 - San Antonio Water System

Leon Saunders, Lab 2006 - Accenture

Mark Jones, Lab 2005 - Structure Tone Southwest

Rachelle Gonzalez, Lab 2006 - Leadership Lab Alumnus

 

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