Grooming the next generation of leaders in Greater Worcester
Timothy P. Murray
Worcester's downtown is experiencing a metamorphosis. College students at satellite campuses, thousands attending shows at the Hanover Theatre, the opening of Front Street that has created an eastern gateway into the city center, and CitySquare development's progress as a vibrant commercial, retail and residential space. These are just a few of the changes creating momentum in Worcester and the region. And, they're in no small part the result of forward-thinking leaders who have forged collaborative partnerships, taken risks and motivated others to exceed expectations.
At the chamber, we're focused on engaging the next generation of leaders in the community's long-term vision for success. We have established a higher education–business partnership to retain our educated workforce. The partnership between our colleges and businesses has created a conduit to bring students into the business community where they can begin to network, prepare for employment and develop leadership skills.
What attributes make a good leader? Key traits include adaptability and flexibility with change, an excitement for new opportunities, the ability to motivate and initiate, creativity and organizational skills, decisiveness, and acceptance and respect for multiple and diverse perspectives and backgrounds, with an emphasis on developing listening skills and an eagerness to collaborate.
But how does one acquire the skills of leadership? Is it an inherent trait? Or can leaders be groomed? Can the process of creating the next generation of leaders be expedited? The answer is an unequivocal “yes.”
Organized by the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, and supported by a broad coalition of business, education, nonprofit and government partners, Leadership Worcester will help our future leaders acquire the skills necessary to continue the momentum underway here.
How do we identify our future leaders and prepare them for the task?
The first class of the reinvigorated Leadership Worcester was selected from more than 50 applicants. They have proven records of leadership capacity; an eagerness to have a personal impact; a passion and commitment to make Worcester a leading, livable city; and a commitment to remain involved in the city or region.
Next month, a class of 25 eager participants, from a variety of industry sectors and cultural backgrounds, and with diverse educational experiences, will begin their 9-month journey of discovery. Area experts have created sessions with a razor-sharp focus on the issues Worcester and the region face today and will face in the future, and they will provide a context in which these leaders will hone their leadership skills. Topics include medicine and health, economic development, local government, education, justice and community safety, arts and culture, and the urban environment and energy.
The chamber is proud to be a lead partner in this important program that prepares our future leaders to be the next generation of champions for Worcester and the region.
At the conclusion of Leadership Worcester next spring, the class of 2016 will be prepared to assume leadership roles and create positive change.
Timothy P. Murray is president and CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce.
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