I just graduated from the 2011 Clackamas County Leadership Class. I started this class in September of 2010 and for the next 9 months I got to learn a lot about leadership, Clackamas County, the intersection of business with government, community, education, etc., and myself as a leader. I took this class as part of my ongoing commitment to educate and improve myself and what I offer in my business. I’m glad I did, because it helped me understand how much local business contributes to the well-being of the local economy and community. Here’s a few key takeaways from my experience:

Leadership in the Community

A community is only as strong as its leaders, and it needs a lot of leaders or at least people who are willing to give of their time toward helping the community. The community, in this case, comprising your local city, schools, chamber of commerce, etc. Leadership in such a community really involves learning where you can help, and what you can do to help other people already involved. There’s always a team effort in terms of improving a community.

The intersection of Business with the Community

Small, mid, or large business, there’s always an intersection with the community a business is based out of. And there’s also an expectation that the business will take an active interest in the community, as well as supporting it. A business that supports the community gives itself some visibility and good pr, which is always useful, but what’s most important is that people who work at the business recognize they are part of a larger ecosystem than the business itself. By positively contributing to the community they are acting as ambassadors.

How I’m applying it all

I’m looking at how I can get more involved in the different communities I’m part of, while also balancing the time I need to put toward my business, clients, and personal life. I’ve signed up to join several committees for one of the chambers I’m part of. I’m also looking at how I can be a better leader in my industry. And I know I will continue to apply what I’ve learned in the months to come.