The Leadership Kitsap Class of 2020 began their leadership journey with an overnight retreat at the Seabeck Conference Center on September 6 and 7, 2019. Day one focused on leadership development and day two on becoming a team.
Kol Medina, President and CEO of the Kitsap Community Foundation and Mayor of Bainbridge Island, 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).
Following a family-style lunch, Dedra Miller (LK15) 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 with Jeff Faucett to help define team core values, set team rules, and clarify expectations. The class was treated to an explosive demonstration by the Kitsap County Bomb Squad practicing in the soon to be torn down Pines Lodge on the Seabeck Conference property. 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), Equity and Equality Advocate and Certified Mediator, engaged the class in a meaningful discussion around honoring diversity and inclusion. Matt Pickering (LK19) and Adraine Weber (LK19), this year’s Project Co-Chairs, reviewed project guidelines, processes, and expectations. Several past projects were highlighted. The teams then were given the opportunity to brainstorm project possibilities and bounce their ideas off Board mentors in a “Speed Mentoring” session over lunch. Everyone left the retreat feeling inspired and energized, and ready to serve!
Thank you to our two-day professional development retreat sponsor Town & Country Markets.