More than 200 complete Building a Bridge to the Future Leadership Training
Building a Bridge to the Future Leadership Training became a reality in May 2006 as TDCJ’s executive leaders took action to recognize and develop staff members who have assumed leadership roles in the agency. To date, 207 non-correctional, mid-level managers have completed this executive staff administered training program. Participants were nominated by their respective division directors and selected by Executive Director Brad Livingston based on their leadership qualities.
Building a Bridge participant Kevin Campbell said “it provided valuable insight into agency leadership’s vision and expectations.” Another participant added that the most valuable element was first-hand interaction with agency leadership. “It gave me insight into the integrity and professionalism at the top,” he said.
Building a Bridge to the Future Leadership Training began with a 20-hour training schedule and grew to 22 hours in June 2010. Executive Director Livingston welcomes participants by challenging them to have high expectations of each presenter, as well as themselves.
Throughout the training program, executive staff and divisional leaders guide participants through the bridge building process. They describe their vision for TDCJ and give guidance regarding how to take on a leadership role in a diverse workforce. Other topics include legal liability, fiscal responsibility, new legislation and how to achieve TDCJ’s mission through professional collaboration.
As the training program has evolved, presenters have developed an increasingly interactive format. Participants are encouraged to meet, network, and communicate with each other and agency leaders through class activities, a panel discussion led
by three senior operational directors and a luncheon.
Bennie Wagner said the training not only improved her management skills, but added that understanding TDCJ’s big picture is invaluable. “Meeting leaders and other potential leaders and understanding TDCJ operations gave me an excellent overview of the agency,” she said.
As a CID training specialist in the fall of 2009, Michael Mackey summed up the training by saying, “This was an excellent course; well planned, executed well and very beneficial.”
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