2024 Legislative Staff Management Institute

Wednesday, June 12

Kick-Off Webinar and Alumni Panel

NCSL staff will set the tone for the program by sharing more about the themes of self-and-social awareness and participant expectations. A small group of LSMI alumni will share their perspectives about how they approached and engaged in the program and then how they applied what they learned.

Faculty:

• Angela Andrews and Curt Stedron, NCSL Legislative Training Institute

LSMI Alum Panel:

• Jennifer Detloff, Legislative Council Administrator and LSB Director, Michigan Legislative Council and LSMI class of 2023
• Michael Greer, Manager, Information Systems, California Legislative Analyst Office and LSMI class of 2022
• Shunti Taylor, Deputy Director, Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts and LSMI class of 2021

Thursday, July 11

Program Welcome, Introductions and Onsite Orientation

Participants will introduce themselves, meet the NCSL team and get oriented to their learning hub for the week – NCSL’s office.

Faculty:

• Angela Andrews, NCSL Legislative Training Institute

Critical Conversations

A conversation protocol that will enable participants to identify, then share, information about themselves while practicing listening and the value of learning from their peers. 

Faculty:

• Curt Stedron, NCSL Legislative Training Institute

Friday, July 12

Leadership Brand Exploration

Participants will identify their core values and learn how their values guide them as leaders.

Faculty:

• Mira Ringler, Flourish Collective

Using Art to Explore Differing Perspectives

Clyfford Still was an Abstract Expressionist artist and one of the most important painters of the 20th century. Approximately 3,125 works in his collection are housed at the Clyfford Still Museum. His paintings and the museum will serve as a forum for participants to engage in an interactive discussion about appreciating and understanding differing perspectives.

Saturday, July 13

Tracom SOCIAL STYLES ® Assessment Debrief and Review

There are four social styles, which categorizes people according to their observable behavior (what they say and do) and how they interact with others. And knowing your style helps to develop your self-awareness as a leader. Participants will receive their personalized Social Styles report (based on their completed self and 360 assessment) and learn more about their style and how it interacts with other styles, both in productive and potentially unproductive ways. 

Faculty:

• Mark Quiner, NCSL Legislative Training Institute

American Legislatures – Who We Are

Participants will gain a broader understanding of legislatures across the country and the vital role staff play in preserving and evolving the nature, character and history of the institution. 

Faculty:

• Natalie Wood, NCSL Vice President for State Policy Research

From Fear to Confidence: Framing Success (Part 1)

An introductory session to get participants thinking about the personal and team challenge.

Faculty:

• Colonel Gil Juarez, USC

Sunday, July 14

From Fear to Confidence: Framing Success (Part 2)

A follow-on from the previous afternoon’s program allowing participants think deeper about their leadership in approaching team and personal challenges. 

Faculty:

• Colonel Gil Juarez, USC

Monday, July 15

Understanding Emotional Intelligence

Emotional Intelligence, or EQ, is the most in-demand skill of the 21st century. The better a leader understands their emotions, they more adept they are at understanding the emotions of others and can be a more effective leader. This session will cover strategies leaders can use to manage, leverage and utilize their EQ strengths.

Faculty:

• Michelle Payne, See Strategies

Different states, Similar Jobs

A facilitated breakout session among staff with similar roles to discuss leadership successes and challenges.

Facilitators:

• NCSL Legislative Training Institute Staff

Tuesday, July 16

Inclusive Leadership

The American workforce and overall population is more diverse than ever and the ability to lead diverse populations is one of today’s most imperative leadership skills and critical for organizational success. This session will reframe and redefine the context of leadership to successfully align within diverse, modern environments and will provide participants with the awareness, tools, and strategies to successfully lead diverse populations.

Faculty:

• Dr. Melissa Furman, Career Potential

Inclusive Leadership

Continuation of the morning session.

Faculty:

• Dr. Melissa Furman, Career Potential

Wednesday, July 17

Working with Difficult People

Being able to work with difficult people, and in difficult situations, is a key component of being an effective leader. This session will provide insights, tips and tricks to successfully navigate challenging interactions.

Faculty:

• Dr. Rueben Brock, PennWest University

Self-Care in Legislative Environments

“You can’t pour from an empty cup” is a common saying when talking about self-care. And it’s absolutely true. This session will cover why self-care for staff leaders in the legislature is necessary – and how to do it.

Faculty:

• Dr. Rueben Brock, PennWest University

Thursday, July 18

Looking Forward: Risk and Fear

In this final session, participants will identify a leadership goal they’d like to achieve but are fearful in pursuing because of the risks involved. Through a facilitated “fear setting” exercise, they will have the opportunity to think deeper about a leadership goal – and how they approach risk and overcome fear as a leader.

Faculty:

• Angela Andrews, NCSL Legislative Training Institute

LSMI Review and Leadership Reflections

Takeaways from each program will be summarized and then participants will reflect on their time at LSMI and how they might apply what they learned when they return to their legislature.

Faculty:

• Angela Andrews, NCSL Legislative Training Institute