Montana Grown Leadership Program: Trailheads

Upcoming Trailhead Programs

What is the Montana Grown Leadership Academy (MGLA)? 

Montana local governments face challenges preparing the next generation of leaders. Recruiting and retaining talented staff members is difficult. The MSU Local Government Center is committed to providing a learning environment that is supportive, inclusive, and respectful of all employees and meets the needs of local government leaders in Montana.

What is the Trailhead? 

Trailhead (Frontline) Supervisor Training enhances the investment made in employees by teaching knowledge and skills essential for basic supervision and preparation for the next level of management.

The Local Government Center partners with city managers, mayors, and HR directors across the state to define the agenda and key learning outcomes. This year, topics will include: 

• Fundamentals of Supervision
• Communicating as a Supervisor
• Emotional Intelligence
• Navigating Conflict
• Setting Clear Expectations for Your Team
• When Do I Call HR?
• Managing Up and Down Within the Organization
• Case Study application

Who should participate? 

The Trailhead program is designed to benefit both established and emerging leaders. Experienced department heads and new supervisors alike will gain new insights, skills, and tools to manage and lead their teams more effectively. The Trailhead program will provide participants with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in leading their own teams and better serving their communities.

What will participants gain?

The Trailheads are designed to provide a number of benefits for both employees and the community. By investing in the professional development of its employees, a local government can improve its performance, increase employee satisfaction, reduce turnover, improve customer service, and build community trust.

Participants can expect to:

• Better understand their own management and communication styles
• Enhance their skills and tools to communicate effectively and navigate conflict productively
• Build on their ability to develop a cohesive, highly effective team

What is the time commitment? 

The program is a single-day event, typically 9:00 am - 5:00 pm dependent on meeting space availability. The registration fee includes access to the training, all applicable materials, lunch, and light refreshments. 

What is the cost and how many people will participate? 

The Trailhead program is $250 per person for the single-day event. Workshops must include at least 15 participants, which encourages participant interaction among a variety of departments and local governments in the area. 

Participant Information

Program Preparation and Pre-work

1) Complete the registration form (linked above)

2) Submit payment for registration through the MSU payment portal

Cancellation Policy

All participant cancellation requests must be recieved in writing (email is acceptable) by the MSU Local Government Center at least 24 hours prior to the advertised start time of the event. Requests recieved after the deadline will not be refunded the registration fee. 

Questions

Reach out to Ashley Kent (ashleykent@montana.edu) with any questions about the Trailhead program.