Had the opportunity to attend a graduation for a leadership class. The session was an intensive program which met once a  week ( full day) for three months. The sessions included team building exercises;  meeting with city mayor and council members; school leaders; key business owners plus much more.

The members bonded and there was a lot of energy in the room. They told me  that they met all the "movers and shakers" in the community and that it was a very educational and eye opening experience. One by one each leadership graduate shared how they will return back to their own work and apply what they learned. I was disappointed that not one mentioned the value of the new community that was formed with the other graduates and the many community leaders that they met.

Very few people have an opportunity to experience this  intensive process; the time commitment and the cost of the leadership program are part of the limitations.

My message to the new graduates is to not only stay in contact with the class, but to build on all the contacts that were made. Contacts such as these may have taken years to achieve in the ordinary course of building a business.

Each small business owner is in the peole business. Many communities offer leadership classes  either through the chamber of commerce or the city itself. Find out what is available lin your area and take advantage of this great opportunity.

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Keeping up is always easier  than catching up.

Have a great day!