The Leadership Kitsap Class of 2019 began their leadership journey with a two-day retreat at the Seabeck Conference Center on September 7 and 8, 2018. Day one focused on leadership development and day two on becoming a team.
Kol Medina, Mayor of Bainbridge Island and President and CEO of the Kitsap Community Foundation, kicked off the retreat with his inspirational personal reflection on servant leadership. Jennifer Yeaman (LK11) introduced Positive Leadership as Leadership Kitsap’s core curriculum. Prior to the Challenge Day, class members took the Strengths Finders 2.0 assessment and identified their top five strengths.
The morning included debriefing the assessment results led by Jeff Faucett (LK14). The class enjoyed hearing an inspirational conversation between leaders Jennifer Kreidler-Moss, CEO Peninsula Community Health Services; and Vice Admiral Bruce MacDonald, USN, Retired, facilitated by Theresa Smith (LK08). The two shared their valuable leadership insights.
Following a family-style lunch, Jeff Faucett led the class in a series of fun team building activities. Jennifer Yeaman debriefed the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) assessment, designed to measure how people perceive the world and make decisions. The debrief was followed by a team discussion to help define team core values, set team rules, and clarify expectations. The evening was capped off with a “fireside chat” led by John Gese (LK04) to learn more about each other.
On the second day of the retreat, Dana Coggon (LK16), Kitsap County Noxious Weed Control Coordinator and certified critical conversations and mediation trainer, engaged the class in a meaningful discussion around leveraging diversity and inclusion.
Ashley Oaksmith (LK18), one of this year’s Project Co-Chairs, reviewed project guidelines, processes, and expectations. Several past projects were highlighted. As part of the projects discussion, the class enjoyed a panel discussion of community leaders who benefited from previous LK projects. Harriette Bryant (LK05), Founder and President/CEO of OurGEMS shared the benefits of working with a Leadership Kitsap team to make the dream of a Brilliance Award Banquet a reality. Kitsap County Undersheriff John Gese (LK04) shared how the Pills Kill (LK13) project benefited the community and the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Department. Sharon Lee, Kitsap Regional Library Poulsbo Branch shared how one of last year’s teams worked with the Library and Suquamish Tribe Elders to develop an arts and heritage family program for the Library. The panel gave great tips and insight into working with community partners for the benefit of the greater community. The teams then were given the opportunity to brainstorm project ideas. Everyone left the retreat feeling inspired and energized, and ready to serve!
Thank you to our Opening Retreat Sponsors:
