2009-2010 Annual Report - Great Lakes Leadership Academy ...

Creating a Legacy of Leadership
The value of people working together is greater than the sum of what they can accomplish alone. When
power is shared and diverse voices are heard, solutions are more likely to benefit the community as a
whole. This is known as leadership for the common good, and it is the aim of the Great Lakes Leadership
Academy.
In today’s constantly changing world, leaders cannot work in a vacuum. Virtually every major public problem
spills beyond the boundaries of any one sector. How can we bring people together from diverse backgrounds
and sectors to tackle complex public challenges when budgets are tight and residents are skeptical of
government’s ability to solve problems?
Competing interests of environmental preservation, recreation, manufacturing and food production create
challenges for leaders at every level. These challenges call for new ways to connect our strong agricultural,
forestry and natural resources sectors with our extensive
industrial and manufacturing experience, advancing a new,
bio-based economy to sustain Michigan’s future. The need for
enlightened leadership is critical. The Great Lakes Leadership
Academy seeks to find people who are willing to step forward
to collaborate with others and deal with complex issues.
Through GLLA I have learned to work within group
dynamics, to be more flexible and adaptable in
my leadership style, and I have learned to come
prepared and trust in my own abilities and in others.
This will allow me to work better in the future as a
community organizer and activist. Michigan needs
leaders now more than ever, and I plan to use these
skills to benefit Michigan. — Lee Gaddies
You can’t separate these three
issues of land-use planning, rail
transportation and energy. I intend
to use my increased confidence
and continue to work with my GLLA
network to bridge these gaps and
move forward in a way that is positive
for Michigan.
— Mitch Adelman