October 8-10, 2019, Methodist Senior Services launched the Beth and Henry Brevard Celebration of Leadership Program for MSS employees. The inaugural class was held in Tupelo, Mississippi, at the Home Office with instruction provided by Michele Holleran of Holleran Consulting and Michelle Daniel, VP for Philanthropy and Leadership Development for MSS.
The newly-designed Mississippi Methodist Senior Services leadership program aims to provide the next important steps in the leadership journey for MSS employees. This development experience has been customized and created by a team of MMSS volunteers to provide meaningful leadership and growth opportunities which emphasize the vital importance of relationship building, emotional intelligence and servant leadership skills. The name "Celebration of Leadership" was chosen to honor our namesakes, Beth and Henry Brevard, who embody the spirit of servant leadership.
Through a variety of modalities, including readings, site visits, group and one-on-one discussions, coaching, self-assessments, and an enrichment project chosen by each team, participants will experience a learning environment like no other. The goal of the program is to help individuals discover their own leadership gifts and leverage those gifts for personal and professional development, as well as the overall good of the organization they serve. The program steps beyond the classroom and is designed so participants will have a lot of fun and celebration on this journey together! Instructors anticipate that members will be forming deep bonds with other leaders from other parts of the state. Activities are designed to encourage interaction among the group during this 9-month adventure, as well as interacting closely throughout the year with the member's assigned coach.
The group will meet four times throughout the year, and each session follows a particular leadership theme: Servant Leadership, Excellence & Innovation, Empowerment & Engagement, and Vision & Hope. Each session includes an interactive site visit to local innovators in Mississippi. During the first session, participants toured the Toyota Manufacturing Plant in Blue Springs, Mississippi where they discussed their "One Team" approach to leadership. Future site visits will include trips to the Infinity Space Center, the MAX (Mississippi's Arts + Entertainment Experience), and the BB King Museum.
Each participant has required reading prior to each session and thought provoking activities to complete before the next session. The reading includes some of the top books on servant leadership and decision making to industry articles that provide insight and examples of daily leaders in action.
The leadership academy was made possible through a generous donation from the David Brevard family. We look forward to watching the progress of this first class as they journey through the state, learning together and working to find their own unique leadership style.