Participant Quotes:

"As a result of the leadership training program,  I am thinking much more deliberately about my strengths, purpose, and the  aspects of my work that make me feel energized, as opposed to drained.  I am realizing I can change course a bit to build on my strengths, while still fulfilling my group's (and my own) mission."

"As a result of the leadership program, I have: clarified my purpose and strengths; understand my personality and work style better; improved my perspective on my current job and how to work within its constraints; and clarified where I want to be in the future."

"As a result of the leadership program, I am better equipped to understand and handle some of the day to day stresses I encounter in the office, which makes me feel stronger, calmer and better able to get what I need to do done. I've also become more assertive and proactive. The program has been invaluable in giving me helpful tools, exercises, and opportunity for discussion, exploration and learning. I feel like I have an awesome experience, great contacts, and valuable resources to draw on in the future!"

"Everyone in the group seemed to respond really well to Barbara's coaching style. She put us all at ease and allowed plenty of opportunity for laughter. Overall I have no complaints and just wish we could do another group retreat! I have gotten so much out of this program and would highly recommend it."

Scott's attendance was a real turning point. It helped him clarify his sense of himself as a leader and want he wanted from his work. After this training, Scott expressed interest in a leadership position in the organization. He was clear what he needed to do to step into the position and has done a great job since then. ~ Justin Maxson, Executive Director, MACED

NNFP Leadership Sessions

Rural Action sent its lead sustainable agriculture staff person to NNFP’s Creative Leadership program. He returned energized, more self aware, and more passionate about his role leading our sustainable agricultural work. Since the training, he has stepped up in many ways to build our initiative, bring in new money, form new partnerships, and be an important resource to other staff and myself. Self awareness is critical to leading from any place in an organization. This training helped him achieve that awareness, align his personal goals and with Rural Action's, and as a result further our goals for a sustainable Appalachian Ohio. Now we've asked Barbara to work with our entire staff on leadership development starting in 2010 and we'll be sending another staffer to the training. Thanks NNFP!
~ Michelle Decker, Executive Director, Rural Action

Program Goals

• Develop self-awareness and skills related to professional interaction.

• Reconnect with particpant purpose and vision.

• Enhance particpants' performance by completing a 360◦ assessment and on-going executive coaching.

• Apply theoretical and practical tools to current leadership and organizational management challenges.

• Develop networks with other community leaders and reduce particpants' sense of isolation.

• Prepare for a lifetime of service by learning how to prevent “burn out”.

Barbara Wyckoff

Barbara is a certified professional co-active coach (CPCC) by Coaches Training Institute (CTI). She has worked both in the United States and internationally on environmental, community and economic development issues, with collaborations from community groups to international organizations, and from scientists to indigenous peoples.
Bringing experience and solutions from her work with over 40 organizations (including World Wildlife Fund, the Ford Foundation, Rural Action and Appalachia Sustainable Development), she has a knack for spotting strengths and under-developed skills.

She deepens clients' learning and forwards their actions, asking them to do what they won't ask of themselves.

To learn more about Barbara click here.