WILMINGTON, OHIO — The Clinton County Leadership Institute, known as Leadership Clinton, recently began its latest session in an ongoing effort to develop the leadership skills of both current and future leaders in Clinton County.

This unique community leadership program provides participants with opportunities to explore critical issues and opportunities alongside knowledgeable speakers, established community leaders, and skilled facilitators. The program includes a variety of experiential activities, such as community enhancement team projects, to promote hands-on learning and growth.

The newest class kicked off in August at Cherrybend Pheasant Farm in Wilmington. Participants were warmly welcomed by the farm’s owner, who provided an insightful tour of the farm, showcasing the inner workings and unique challenges of running a pheasant farm.

Led by Lisa Nack, founder and principal of the Nack Reuther Group, this month’s class focused on “The Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team,” a framework inspired by Patrick Lencioni’s acclaimed book, “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team.” The session explored the essential behaviors required for effective teamwork, beginning with vulnerability-based trust, which emphasizes openness and the sharing of personal experiences to build a strong foundation of trust among team members.

The importance of managing conflict constructively was also a key topic. Participants learned to differentiate between productive, open debates and destructive arguments driven by politics or personal pride. Embracing healthy conflict allows teams to bring forward diverse ideas and perspectives, ultimately enhancing decision-making processes.

Another vital behavior discussed was commitment, where participants understood that true commitment isn’t about achieving consensus but about securing genuine buy-in from all team members. This involves clear communication and eliminating ambiguity to ensure that everyone supports the final decision, even if there are personal disagreements.

The session also emphasized embracing accountability. Participants discussed how maintaining high-performance standards relies on team members holding each other accountable, driven by peer pressure and a shared sense of responsibility, rather than solely by authoritative oversight.

Lastly, the need to focus on results was explored, emphasizing that a collective commitment to achieving shared goals helps teams avoid distractions like personal egos, individual agendas, or departmental silos. By regularly tracking and publicly sharing progress, teams can maintain a unified focus on their objectives.

In addition to these foundational lessons, participants engaged in team-building games that reinforced the concepts discussed. The class also covered the “Circle of Influence” and “Circle of Concern,” concepts inspired by Stephen R. Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” These principles focus on developing “emotional response-ability,” encouraging participants to direct their energy toward areas where they can be most effective and proactive.

Throughout the day, participants enjoyed a light breakfast, a pizza lunch, snacks and dinner from Beaugard’s Southern Bar B Que, fostering networking and camaraderie among the group.

The Leadership Clinton program continues to play a vital role in community development within Clinton County, bringing together individuals from various backgrounds to enhance their leadership abilities and make meaningful contributions to the community.