At Gibbs, leadership is about more than excelling in a current role—it’s about developing the ability to inspire, guide, and lead with purpose. While we are fortunate to have a strong team of leaders, nurturing the next generation is crucial for our long-term success.  Purposefully developing our team members to be leaders at Gibbs is why we launched the Leadership Academy.  The academy is a key initiative in our commitment to becoming an employer of choice in our community. This program not only cultivates essential leadership skills but also strengthens our core values and guiding principles, ensuring our future leaders are equipped to drive continued growth.

The program was developed by Maggie Whitledge, Gibbs’ Training & Development Specialist, in collaboration with Henderson Community College (HCC). Partnering with HCC and their Workforce Solutions team was helpful for course development and providing a qualified instructor. Additionally, working with HCC qualifies the Leadership Academy to receive significant financial support through the KCTS-TRAINS grant, which covers 75% of the program costs.

Maggie says, “We selected the academy-style training because it offers a well-organized, long-term approach that promotes a deeper understanding of important topics. With weekly classes, participants have time to learn, reflect, and grow as they progress through each session.”

The curriculum covers a broad range of leadership essentials, including:

  • Leadership Principles
  • Managing Performance and Feedback
  • Conflict Resolution and Difficult Personalities
  • Empathy, Relationship Building, and Coaching
  • Accountability and Discipline
  • Safety Leadership
  • Supervising Former Peers
  • Interviewing and Selection
  • Assertiveness and Influence
  • Managing Change
  • Effective Communication
  • Time Management and Delegation
  • Multigenerational Management
  • Respectful Workplaces
  • Substance Abuse Awareness
  • Employment Law Basics
  • Train-the-Trainer
  • Team Motivation and Engagement
  • Presentation Skills and Practice

Launched in 2023, the Leadership Academy is offered twice a year, with 16-18 team members in each cohort. To date, 46 team members have successfully completed the program.

Each session of the Leadership Academy begins with a self-assessment, which participants revisit at the end to track their progress.  During graduation, participants also get to present to Gibbs leadership, sharing their key takeaways and personal experiences.

Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting how the program has impacted both their professional and personal lives. A standout session is “Managing Generations in the Workplace,” which helps leaders navigate the strengths and challenges of today’s multi-generational teams.

By investing in leadership development, Gibbs is not only preparing team members for future success but also enhancing the company’s overall culture. The Leadership Academy plays a crucial role in this continuous improvement journey.

 

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