The CSAC Institute for Excellence in County Government has a terrific slate of courses lined up for you in September. Aspects of strategy are examined in several popular classes. Other classes explore shared economies, local governance and leadership. Check out the details below and register today. These classes will fill quickly! Read on for details.

Download the Course Schedule for more details on all the classes offered by CSAC Institute and Register Now. Classes open to all county staff and elected officials. Classes are an affordable $129 each and include class materials and lunch. Discounts for multiple registrations.

JPA-Special Districts-MPO-LAFCo-COG-Cities-CSA-MAC: What do they all do?

Local Governance in California: All Those Agencies!

Thursday, September 1, 2016 – 10:00 to 3:30 – Sacramento County

California has a complex system of providing services through local governments. This course provides an overview of local government structure and responsibilities in California. You’ll learn the basics of all the local agencies and how they interrelate with county responsibilities. A brief history of California governance is followed by a review of the roles and responsibilities of the state, cities, counties, special districts and an alphabet soup of other local agencies. Discussion highlights the authority and responsibilities of the county as it relates to other agencies through a county case study on the interrelationships of all these local agencies. Instructor is Bill Chiat, CSAC Institute Dean, former executive director of the California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions and experienced executive in county, district and city governments.

Nature and dimensions of leadership in effective organizations

The Art and Practice of Organizational Leadership 

Friday, September 9, 2016 – 10:00 to 3:30 – Sacramento County

This interactive course designed for both experienced and new senior county managers explores the practical applications of leadership in creating a high performing county organization - especially in the difficult environments counties operate. Participants engage in discussions of key practices in formal and informal leadership, particularly in achieving sustainable change; employee engagement and team-building strategies; leadership when you’re not in charge; and techniques for developing a vital workplace culture which supports organizational members. Instructor is Dr. Frank Benest, former city manager of Palo Alto and a noted expert in organizational leadership and management. 

New ways to think and work through enduring problems

Thinking Strategically in Trying Times 

Friday, September 9, 2016 – 10:00 to 3:30 – Riverside County
Friday, September 16, 2016 – 10:00 to 3:30 – Merced County

This intense seminar discusses the challenges of strategic agility with the critical, enduring problems counties face. The focus is on the art of possibilities. Participants examine separating probabilities (what’s likely to happen) from possibilities (what could happen) and applying concepts of creative and strategic thinking to find different paths to solutions. The conversation provides strategies to question assumptions; identify the environmental issues; distinguish strategies from tactics; use team resources, and structure learning from experience. Instructor is Dr. Rich Callahan, associate professor of management at the University of San Francisco. He brings practical experience working with elected officials in leadership practices.

Make strategic planning mean something

Crafting and Implementing Effective Strategic Plans 

Thursday, September 15, 2016 – 10:00 to 3:30 – Contra Costa County

Most counties and county departments create strategic plans. Sometimes they provide clear guidance to decision makers and staff; sometimes they don’t. This course examines how to make the plan a living document … and have it mean something to those affected. Participants examine: 1) how to craft a strategic plan with the Board of Supervisors or other governing board; 2) engagement of the community and staff in the process; 3) tips to prepare an actionable plan; 4) communication of the plan; and 5) putting a plan into action. Best practices and case examples are used to explore integration of the plan into the operations and decision-making of the organization. Discussion highlights tips for structuring an effective strategic workshop, including selection of a facilitator, participants and preparation. Instructor is Angela Antenore, M.Ed., an experienced strategic facilitator, agency board member and university instructor.

Discover your strategic intent — build your strategic agility

Strategy: Clarifying, Building, Implementing and Ensuring Alignment

Thursday, September 22, 2016 – 10:00 to 3:30 – Sacramento County

A seminal article was published recently called “The Strategic Plan is Dead. Long Live Strategy.” It’s staggering when we realize how many public entities focus on the time-consuming and often wasteful activity of creating a strategic plan when indeed they have NO strategy. In this world of unpredictability, high velocity, rapid change, and citizens counting on us to do the right thing, we MUST start by creating and clarifying our strategy. In this session we cover how to construct a solid yet adaptable strategy for your organization, ensuring strategic thinking and alignment to strategy from everyone, understanding how all other organizational elements and processes fit within the context of “strategy,” and determining how to take these concepts back to your environment to make a positive difference. Instructor is Dr. Laree Kiely, president of the Kiely Group; organizational effectiveness consultants and professor at the USC Marshall School of Business. 

To register for courses or to learn more about the Institute, credential programs, and courses, please visit www.csacinstitute.org.