Partnering and Creativity & Innovation (Blackboard)

I think one important area in Leadership are to have skills in partnering with other agencies, providers, consumer groups, etc. For agencies, such as CSB's, who serve a large portion of their areas, interacting with other agencies is part of their program. The ability to work with other agencies, seek out partners to join resources to serve consumers, and join resources to maximize funding is essential.
Along with this is the need to create and innovate one's services. The needs of consumers change as the economy changes, as federal regualtions change, as health care provider services change, and as the dynamics of the community changes. One needs to have a vision of what consumers need in the present and also to envision what consumers will need in the future. Along with this vision to create and innovate is to keep an awareness of what other providers are offering, how they are changing their services and structures, and how all this will impact your organization and your consumers.

In looking back at my jobs, I can see the difference in how I maintained interest in my job as influenced by a leader's communication style. Certainly when I have felt listened to and have understood communications from leaders, I have performed better. I have felt discouraged and de-motivated when a leader exhibits poor communication skills and poor interpersonal skills. I can also see how I can influence better responses from people I lead when I take time to make myself understood and communicate positively and with interest.

In my choosing creativity and innovation, comes the need for vision. A leader cannot direct progress without having the vision to see the future needs and how to create and implement such needs. This often takes making unusual choices and thinking outside of the box.
And so political savy goes hand in hand with vision, creativity and partnering. A leader of any agnecy or program needs to be able to navigate the different arenas of influence on his/her organization. Influences that range from impoverished consumers to lobbyists and politicians