Leadership is a key to effective Cooperative management and the future of cooperatives.

There are two common leadership questions. One comes from Boards who are seeking a new leader or evaluating a current one. They ask “what” to look for in good leadership. The other comes from an employee interested in becoming a leader or a current CEO who wishes to improve their skills. They ask if or “how” to become a good leader.

The response is simple: “Do not look for or try to be a good leader. Work to be a great leader.” A good leader may be lucky or follow happenstance. But, a great leader hones his skills in five key leadership fundamentals:

1. A great leader practices appreciation and humility
2. A great leader stresses communication
3. A great leader understands and cultivates trust
4. A great leader encourages and practices innovation
5. A great leader works at becoming a better leader.

Through a case study and discussion with co-op CEOs, Kim Christiansen, NRECA's Manager of Governance and Business Strategy, will explore these foundations and offer observations and practical tips on how to identify and develop these critical leadership skills in yourself and others.

To get an idea of what you can expect during this webinar series, check out the July 27 Tracey’s Takeaways article “Five Foundations of Leadership"​.