Through a grant from the Kansas Leadership Center (KLC), KDOC staff are participating in a three-step leadership program sponsored by KLC, based in Wichita, Kansas. KDOC was selected for a second year to receive grant funding from KLC as a Leadership Transformation Grant Partner to cover the cost of participation.

The KLC leadership path teaches that leadership is an activity, not a position, and that anyone within an organization can be an effective leader. The first step is a two-day virtual or in-person training called “Your Leadership Edge.” Last year, 37 KDOC staff completed this training, and 38 staff are involved in the first step of training this year.

The next step is “Lead for Change.” Participants meet weekly for six weeks and training includes a deeper dive into the KLC leadership framework with skill building activities in the areas of the change process, confronting assumptions and personal feedback. The final step, “Equipped to Lead,” is a two-day training covering advanced leadership strategies and challenges participants to develop ways to apply what they have learned to their roles within KDOC.

To support those who have completed various levels of the training, KDOC staff coordinate monthly “Virtual Leadership Stretch” Zoom sessions. These sessions give staff a chance to reconnect, discuss ideas and receive feedback on their own leadership activities throughout the department.  

In addition, Matthew Beyer, EDCF staff development manager, Greg Perez, TCF staff development manager, and Jessica Homolka, KDOC leadership and supervisory trainer, are completing one of KLC’s intensive trainings, “Teach Leadership.” This is a 50-hour virtual training to further develop teaching and leading skills they can then use to expand opportunities within KDOC for additional staff to benefit from this leadership training.

Staff development and training are focus areas within KDOC’s strategic plan, Pathway for Success. All staff are given opportunities to gain new skills for personal and professional advancement and to support the work they do with individuals served by KDOC. Through the partnership with KLC, KDOC staff have opportunities to develop skills to lead in any situation, mobilize others in positive ways and create change for future success.