September 3, 2009

INDIANA BULLETIN NO. IN360-9-10

SUBJECT:  PER – Indiana Leadership Development Program

Purpose: To issue Policy and Guidance for the new Indiana NRCS Leadership Development Program (LDP) to begin in FY 2010, and to request employees to volunteer to be the LDP State Coordinator for the program.

Expiration Date:  September 30, 2010

Brief Background: The Indiana Leadership Team approved the recommendations of the Leadership Development Program Task Force, and supports the implementation of the program beginning in Fiscal Year 2010.

Action Required By:  September 30, 2009

Purpose of the LDP

The primary purpose of the Leadership Development Program (LDP) in Indiana is to build and recognize potential leaders for the agency.  The LDP is intended to help us meet the future challenges to conservation by exposing class members to “the big picture,” providing the opportunity to observe others setting direction and exhibiting leadership skills, and requiring class members to demonstrate leadership skills through their projects and activities.

Leadership & management skills include being visionary and able to positively influence people, developing skills related to partnering, and successfully handling public involvement and political issues.  While successful completion of the LDP does not ensure future promotions, it does broaden candidates’ perspectives and enhance their leadership and management skills.

More information on how to make an application to participate in the LDP for 2010 will be issued during the month of October.  The attached documents outline eligibility requirements and expectations of participants to aid employees considering applying for the LDP Coordinator position.

State Coordinator Position - Apply by: September 30, 2009

The State Conservationist (STC) will appoint an individual, or co-coordinators to fulfill the responsibilities of the LDP State Coordinator position.  The State Coordinator will report directly to the STC and will report all activities to the Leadership Team for their information.  Complete details of the LDP State Coordinator position are outlined in section 9 of the attached guidance.  This will be a collateral responsibility consuming 20% of your time and will require your supervisor’s concurrence.

How to apply for the LDP State Coordinator position:

By September 30, 2009, send a letter (or e-mail) to State Conservationist Jane Hardisty with a narrative of no more than one page describing the knowledge and skills possessed that would contribute to the position, and why you would like to lead this program.

If you have any questions, contact Gary Maners at 317-290-3200, ext. 352 for information.

/s/

JANE E. HARDISTY

State Conservationist

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DIST: O

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