The 2003 Leadership Morgan Hill class graduated last week
without the impending disaster of 2002
’s newly begun Croy fire, just a quiet mourning for Henk
Marselis, an early leadership graduate and volunteer who died
recently.
The 2003 Leadership Morgan Hill class graduated last week without the impending disaster of 2002’s newly begun Croy fire, just a quiet mourning for Henk Marselis, an early leadership graduate and volunteer who died recently.
The 2003 class, however, heard from Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith and from Leadership board President Sherry Hemingway who described Leadership MH as a “grow your own leaders” effort.
Leadership MH forges each new class into a family-type unit, teaching interpersonal insight and interactive skills. It’s primary goal, however, is to give each class member an inside view of the communities in which they live – government, education, medical, media, police and more – and encourage them to go out and lead.
As a result of almost 10 years of graduating classes, most volunteer organizations in Morgan Hill are peppered with former leadership graduates, putting their LMH skills to use. The program, which is a function of the Chamber of Commerce and one of 53 Leadership programs statewide, began in 1994 under encouragement from Ben Fuller, who was Chamber president at the time.
Sheriff Smith talked about leadership in law enforcement and about how things have changed in her world. When she entered the Sheriff’s Department, she occupied the position of “matron” – almost the only position open to women. In December 1998 she was sworn in as the county’s 28th sheriff since 1850.
“One of the most valuable traits of leadership,” Smith said, “is listening. Every corporate culture (law enforcement or not) is set by the leader.”
Smith ended by ordering the class to continue using their leadership talents.
“Leaders never stop learning,” she reminded them.
Each graduating class pushes one classmate forward to relate the proud high points and humorous low points of their nine months together. Often this person is chosen because he or she missed the meeting where the speaker was chosen. The class of 2003 chose Robert Margevicius of Specialized Bicycle Components for his “poetry skills”.
At most graduations, the year is laid out in a brief narrative speech. Margevicius recited his “Ode to Leadership Morgan Hill.”
Joining Leadership requires a personal commitment, Margevicius said.
“Unlike marriage it demands no-holds barred.” He lauded the class project, renovation of the pond behind City Hall – planned, he said, after a few at the bar in Rosy’s (at the Beach). While the poem is unlikely to enter the “Great American Poems of 2003 Anthology”, it served the purpose of creative entertainment and duly wrapped up the class experience.
Leadership facilitator Roz Wagner – the facilitator essentially acts as the principal for the class, keeping things moving along – had a few final words of wisdom:
“Speak up, slow down, be a better listener, know when to shut up and know when to compromise,” Wagner said.
Wagner was followed to the wine barrel lectern on the Guglielmo Winery outdoor stage by Cricket Rubino, class of 1999 and LMH program coordinator.
Rubino introduced Marty Johnson as the “sage in the corner of every board meeting.” Johnson has run the program since 1995, the second year of the program, though this, she said, is his final outing.
“Marty has been the godfather of Leadership Morgan Hill.” Rubino also lauded Hemingway who grasped the financially faltering program by the throat and brought it to new heights of solvency.
In August, Leadership – urged on by Hemingway and other stalwarts – sponsored a black tie dinner at CordeValle Country Club that earned thousands for the program. She and her staff also instituted the first annual Leadership Excellence Award, given to Roger Knopf for his years of service to the many parts of his community.
Leadership Morgan Hill is now recruiting for the Class of 2004. Past class members have spoken with surprise that the training turns 20 individuals into one closely knit team. Every class speaks of valuable experience, personal understanding, new friends and contacts ultimately useful in jobs and life.
The schedule is rigorous with six all-day Friday meetings and eight evening sessions during the nine months plus three retreats. The first retreat is a two-day session exploring team building, creating a team vision, temperaments, leadership styles and values and ethics. The second is a two-day trip to Sacramento, meeting with legislators, lobbyists and watching government in action.
The third is a one-day team challenge, usually to the rugged vistas of Coe State Park, designed to develop the physical, mental and spiritual fitness required of leaders. Each class also undertakes a “class project” of its own choosing. Past projects include “Art ala Carte,” renovating the Downtown Commons, a pocket park and a recruiting CD for the program.
The class of 2003 completely renovated the pond behind City Hall, returning it to its former pleasing aspect.
Details: 779-9444, www.morganhill.org
