Dorothy Young Completes Leadership Academy Program
Harrisonville Ward 2 Alderman Dorothy Young has successfully completed the Academy for Leadership Development educational program sponsored by the Missouri Municipal League, the Missouri Association of Counties, and the Harry S. Truman School of Public Policy at the University of Missouri.
She is the first Harrisonville alderman to complete the program.
During the class, Alderman Young studied a variety of topics related to effective leadership in municipal government, such as understanding individual behavior, types of leadership styles, public policy in the areas of infrastructure, taxation and economic development success, leadership challenges, motivating people, managing conflict and conflict resolution, ethics in government and communications.
The program was structured in four two-day sessions that included formal presentations, interactive discussions with faculty and attendees, and discussion of real-life situations presented by attendees. Participants were expected to complete outside assignments also, and Mrs. Young estimated she spent 4-6 hours preparing for some of the sessions by reading materials and evaluating case studies related to the topics. “My participation in the program bridged two “classes” as the program was temporarily suspended for one year. This arrangement provided me with the opportunity to participate with approximately 40 elected officials and/or staff from a variety of communities.”
Classes were held on the MU campus in Columbia. Academy faculty included directors, professors, policy analysts, and others associated with the Harry S. Truman School of Public Policy at the University of Missouri.
“I learned a great deal during my participation in this program,” Alderman Young said. “One of the most beneficial aspects of the program was the guidance and insight provided by the instructors and other participants as we discussed the challenges facing our communities now and in the future, how the same or similar challenges have been handled, how successes were accomplished, and what was learned from those things that could have been done better.”
Alderman Young was elected to her current term on the Board of Aldermen in 2008. She also served from 1987 – 1993 and from 1994 -- 1996.
Presently, two other aldermen, Morris Coburn of Ward 2 and David Dickerson of Ward 3, are enrolled in the Academy for Leadership Development.
