Cox Enterprises superb host of NAMME’s May 19-22, 2008 LDI

Cox Communications Incorporated, known as the third largest, cable provider in the nation was a fitting home and host for Albert E. Fitzpatrick Leadership Development Institute (LDI) for Spring 2008. A dozen Media leaders from all across the country gathered at Cox Enterprises in Atlanta, Georgia to handle challenges in their organizations. The four day intense leadership program, was held May 19-21st, with the mission of arming Managers with the tools they need to effectively lead, motivate, and empower their staff in the fast paced industry of media. Many of the participants work in various forms of media including: radio, television, and print.

The National Association of Multiculrial Leadership Executives LDI curriculum organized a series panel discussions, seminars, and behavioral evaluations. For many of the participants, this was the first opportunity to gain information from their direct reports about their management style.

I have to say that my time spent at LDI was one of the best investments of my career. As a Sales Manager for Cox Radio in Birmingham, the sessions were enlightening. However, the greatest benefit came from the panel discussions and the one on one attention I received with Albert E. Fitzpatrick, the founder of LDI. Mr. Fitzpatrick and I toured the memorabilia room at Cox Headquarters, while learning the history of the organization. It was at that moment I began to develop a renewed feeling of confidence in my own abilities. Mr. Fitzpatrick’s personal experience inspired me, especially understanding how he elevated his level of success in the 70’s. For me, there was nothing that could stop me from doing the same thing in the 21st century. It taught me that being a member of a minority group does not determine ones level of success, but knowing how to use our knowledge base to navigate through obstacles. As we talked about the challenges that he had endured it made me reflect on my career. His words of wisdom helped me determine how to utilize various skills sets for career advancement.

LDI presented numerous chronicles of success stories. The discussion with Jocelyn Dorsey, Public Affairs Director for WSB-TV, was also informative. She shared her journey of making the transition into management. Often times we get caught up in trying to determine who is at the greatest disadvantage: black men and women; Asian men and women; or Hispanic men and women. LDI helped me to realize that until the world opens its eyes and truly starts to see people for their own worth that we are all on the same playing field. In short, we must continue to unite and pool our collective resources together to achieve greatness.

Managers at the Leadership Development Institute were given various evaluations assessing core behavior style, improving competencies, and managerial effectiveness. Participants received the Skillscope, which is an assessment tool that provides 360 degree feedback from direct reports, supervisors, and peers. Wrise A. Booker, President of Reid Drugger Consulting Group, issued the report and provided a development planning guide to assist managers with the information. “Leadership is about serving”, said Booker as she shared the difference between Leadership and Management, “A Leader creates process that will help produce changes that are needed… A manager creates processes that will produce predictable results.”

Booker expressed the importance of creating an environment of motivation and provided twenty-one laws of leadership. Some of the rules of leadership included: the law of the inner circle, the law of empowerment, and the law of legacy. However, Booker ended her session with developing your legacy, which challenged all mangers understand that value is measured by succession. Booker states, “achievement comes to someone when he is able to do great things for himself; success comes when he develops leaders to do great things with him; and Significance comes when he develops leaders to do great things for him.

LDI program inspired participants to want to continue cultivating their skills in managerial effectiveness, empower their employees, and colleagues. All walked out of the session with an understanding of leading through service. It’s important that as Leaders in the world of Media, we understand the value of building YOU, your staff, and your organization. The twelve participants are ready to do just that with the assistance of National Association of Multicultural Media Executives by their side!