The most dangerous leadership myth is that leaders are born-that ...

The most dangerous leadership myth is that leaders are born - that there is a genetic factor toleadership. This myth asserts that people simply either have certain charismatic qualities or not.That's nonsense; in fact, the opposite is true. Leaders are made rather than born.-Warren G. BennisSpring 2013Leadership Douglas County, a program of the Castle Rock Chamber of Commerce (in partnership with theHighlands Ranch, Parker, Castle Pines, and Lone Tree Chambers), is committed to ensuring the continuity ofknowledgeable and effective leadership in Douglas County. Today, Douglas County is virtually the geographiccenter of Colorado and provides an enviable blend of quality lifestyle and business environment.Established in 1999, Leadership Douglas County (LDC) was created to ensure that our community wouldcontinue to identify, educate, and motivate current and emerging leaders to improve Douglas County throughpersonal and collective commitment. LDC seeks motivated, capable men and women from diverse professionalbackgrounds and supports best practices in setting standards of excellence.For the participant, LDC will: Offer rigorous and relevant learning, with the opportunity to apply new knowledge and skills Broaden participants’ knowledge of the community as a whole Challenge participants to examine their leadership style, values, and impact Increase the strength and effectiveness of our community leaders Equip participants to respond to the challenges of the community today and into the future Provide opportunities for direct contact with influential people, businesses, and serviceorganizationsSession topics throughout the year include: Education, Public Safety, Open Space, Fire and Emergency Services,Economic Development, Health Care, Social Services, Government, History, Community Resources, Arts andCulture, Media, along with team-building elements and skills training throughout.The criteria for selection into the program will be based on: an applicant’s real world and professionalbackground; a complete and thoughtfully prepared application; and a review of applicant’s education,recommendations and involvement in community service activities. NOTE: Applicant may be requested toparticipate in a personal interview with the selection committee.We hope that by participating in Leadership Douglas County emerging leaders and volunteers will be educatedon the realities, opportunities and challenges in Douglas County. LDC’s goal is to inspire participants in the workthey do; strengthen them and the organizations they serve; and facilitate a heightened sense of communityconnection through discussion, experiences, commitment and shared values.If this sounds like a good fit for you…we look forward to receiving your Program Application!

We could hardly wait to get up in the morning..—Wilbur WrightPARTICIPANT2013-2014 Program InformationLDC IS A TWO-YEAR COMMITMENT. During Year One, you will attend 1) a two-day overnight retreat; 2) aone-day leadership retreat; and 3) nine, monthly, day-long classes (approximately 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.), on thefirst Wednesday of every month, from October through June (except in January—it will be held on thesecond Wednesday). The year kicks off in September, with the two-day overnight retreat, culminating witha class/graduation in June. In Year Two, participants attend monthly 1.5 hour Steering Committee Meetings,during business hours, to plan classes for the succeeding year; each person also actively hosts at least oneclass day.The TWO-DAY OVERNIGHT RETREAT will be held on Friday, September 13, 2013 (beginning at 7:30 a.m.),and Saturday, September 14 (ending at approximately 2 p.m.), at the Denver Marriott South at ParkMeadows. Attendance at the entire retreat is mandatory and participants who are not able to attend theentire retreat should wait and apply to the program in a future year when your schedule permits fullparticipation.A ONE-DAY RETREAT, focusing on leadership skills, especially beneficial for the class project, will be held,typically on a Saturday, in late fall. This day is also mandatory. The exact date for 2013-2014 will beannounced to the selected participants prior to acceptance into the program; program acceptance will becontingent on participant availability.Each LDC participant is required to participate in the class project, determined by the class.Tuition for the program is $495 and includes retreat expenses (meals, lodging, and taxes), all programmeals, materials, graduation recognition and first year dues in Leadership Douglas County Alumni (LDCA). Alimited number of partial scholarships may be available on request. Tuition must be paid prior to the firstclass session and may be paid by the applicant, by the applicant’s employer, a sponsor, or a combination,thereof. Tuition covers only a portion of program expenses and additional funding from generous localSponsors is used to supplement the program.Applicants must: 1) reside and/or be employed in Douglas County; 2) demonstrate a sincere desire tocontribute to the lives of those living/working in Douglas County; and 3) possess a minimum of a high schooldiploma, or its equivalent, at the time of selection to the class.Class Size: The Steering Committee will select approximately 18-20 qualified participants from the pool ofapplicants. Class sizes vary.Absences: The Steering Committee will provide an excellent program for the benefit of the participants. Itis understood that any accepted applicant will attend 100% of all sessions in their entirety (no latearrivals/early departures). Please do not plan on missing a class. If you know that you will be unable toattend one or more of the class dates, please defer your application to a future year, when you believeyou can attend all sessions. LDC requires full participation and participants may not miss more than oneclass day (or the equivalent), October-June, or they will be asked by the Steering Committee to excusethemselves from the program. The one absence is intended only for an emergency—a death in the family, apersonal or family illness, etc., and carries with it make-up requirements, including completion of a researchpaper on missed topics and attending that day’s topic(s) during Year Two of the program.