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Evaluating Utah's Rural Online Initiative: Empowering Organizational Leaders Through Remote Work, Paul A. Hill, Amanda D. Ali, Lendel K. Narine, Andrea T. Schmutz, Tyson M. Riskas, Debra M. Spielmaker
Evaluating Utah's Rural Online Initiative: Empowering Organizational Leaders Through Remote Work, Paul A. Hill, Amanda D. Ali, Lendel K. Narine, Andrea T. Schmutz, Tyson M. Riskas, Debra M. Spielmaker
The Journal of Extension
Compared to urban counties, Utah's rural counties experienced high levels of unemployment. Informed by a statewide needs assessment, Utah State University Extension developed a remote work leadership course to equip business leaders with knowledge and skills to create remote jobs as a solution to rural unemployment. This descriptive evaluation study collected data from course participants (N = 62). Findings showed short-term outcomes were achieved; participants experienced increases in knowledge and skills and had more positive intentions toward creating remote jobs and hiring employees from rural counties. Extension professionals can design and evaluate their programs using the framework in this study.
Empowering Teens To Make A Difference In Their At-Risk Community, Lisa Rothenburger, Alayne Torretta
Empowering Teens To Make A Difference In Their At-Risk Community, Lisa Rothenburger, Alayne Torretta
The Journal of Extension
When identifying problems and creating solutions that support the community culture of health, youths provide a unique perspective. This article describes how staff from Somerset County, NJ 4-H partnered with staff from Middle Earth, an at-risk youth service provider, to organize a group of teens who identified and implemented projects that affect the health and wellness of their community of Bound Brook, NJ. Extension professionals can replicate a sustainable and synergistic youth-adult partnership by creating the opportunities, making the initial connections within the community, and following the 4-H club model to ensure teens experience the essential elements.
Using Playbooks To Guide Leadership Transitions In Voluntary Groups And Community Organizations, Michael John Dougherty, Kelly Nix
Using Playbooks To Guide Leadership Transitions In Voluntary Groups And Community Organizations, Michael John Dougherty, Kelly Nix
The Journal of Extension
Leadership changes can result in confusion for voluntary groups or community organizations. Traditionally, new leaders have received board training or been expected to learn by doing or reviewing existing policies. The National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals (NACDEP) took a new approach, with those in leadership roles developing "playbooks" to guide incoming leaders. The process has proved to be successful for NACDEP and is now being replicated by other organizations.
Overview Of A Statewide Extension Strategic Planning Process And Unintended Outcomes, Joseph L. Donaldson, Shirley Hastings
Overview Of A Statewide Extension Strategic Planning Process And Unintended Outcomes, Joseph L. Donaldson, Shirley Hastings
The Journal of Extension
In 2010, University of Tennessee Extension conducted a strategic planning effort focused on the subsequent 10 years. The process involved approximately 3,000 Tennesseans in online surveys, area meetings, opinion polling, and focus group sessions. This article describes the process, tools, and outcomes—which included a comprehensive strategic plan. Yet the strategic planning process itself produced unintended outcomes, specifically professional development opportunities, greater awareness of Extension among state government stakeholders, and continuity in the pursuit of strategic goals despite administrative change. The major implication for Cooperative Extension organizations is that attention to the potential of these unintended outcomes can enhance strategic planning.
Creating Group Norms By Using Full Value Commitments In Experiential Education Programming, Alayne Torretta, Scott Vanderway
Creating Group Norms By Using Full Value Commitments In Experiential Education Programming, Alayne Torretta, Scott Vanderway
The Journal of Extension
The Full Value Commitment is an essential tool for facilitators that defines how members of a group of adults or youths operate while moving toward the group's goals. This article outlines what goes into establishing a Full Value Commitment and provides an overview of samples that are easily replicated. Through establishing group members' verbal and/or written commitments to learning and safety at the beginning of their time in a learning environment, Extension professionals can promote the occurrence of social and emotional learning alongside citizenship and leadership skill building.
Online Leadership Short Course For County Extension Directors, Matt Benge, Matthew Sowcik
Online Leadership Short Course For County Extension Directors, Matt Benge, Matthew Sowcik
The Journal of Extension
Engaging the Extension workforce in professional development is critical for learning, behavior change, and continued development. However, county Extension directors find it difficult to juggle the various demands on their time, including the need to develop the leadership competencies required to be successful in their roles. Online leadership training is one option that can be used to address this time demand faced by Extension leaders and provide an avenue for developing leadership capacity. We discuss the design and implementation of the 10-week online Leadership Short Course for county Extension directors and the reactions of participants.
Coming To Grips With The Way The World Works, Karen Ballard, Kelly Nix
Coming To Grips With The Way The World Works, Karen Ballard, Kelly Nix
The Journal of Extension
Extension finds itself in a cultural phenomenon known as disruptive change. Clientele increasingly access products and services digitally and in real time. This digital revolution challenges historical methods that have served Extension for over 100 years. Extension's response going forward may stem or even reverse current organizational decline. The Joint Council of Extension Professionals responded to member feedback in 2017 by hosting a virtual town hall meeting (VTHM), initiating a national conversation on innovation and change. The VTHM produced provocative discussions regarding the potential use of digital tools to increase Extension's relevance and value. In this commentary, we reflect on …
Political Ambition: Where Are All The Women?, Jennifer Erickson, Dan Hill, Victoria Solomon
Political Ambition: Where Are All The Women?, Jennifer Erickson, Dan Hill, Victoria Solomon
The Journal of Extension
Why do so few women hold elected office on local government bodies? The answer to this question encompasses a combination of barriers to running for office. The research discussed in this article involved two surveys conducted in Wisconsin. The findings indicate that in addition to systemic barriers, such as time away from work, many women are hesitant to serve on local governing bodies for other reasons, including concerns related to confidence and potentially inaccurate perceptions. This cautiousness was not as evident in male potential candidates. Understanding the barriers women face may inform how Extension educators work to address skewed compositions …
4-H Volunteer Continuing Education Academy, Ken Culp Iii, Leslie R. Bullock
4-H Volunteer Continuing Education Academy, Ken Culp Iii, Leslie R. Bullock
The Journal of Extension
The 4-H Volunteer Continuing Education Academy was developed to provide 4-H club leaders a continuing education opportunity, to assist them in developing and enhancing the skills and knowledge necessary for their volunteer role, and to provide a means for 4-H livestock and horse club leaders to recertify. All participants reported satisfaction with the academy and indicated that they would attend again and would recruit other volunteers to participate. The academy can be replicated in many ways and introduced at any level to provide continuing education and volunteer support. This article describes the academy and provides information for those who may …
Using Pop Culture To Teach Youths Conflict Resolution, Healthful Lifestyles, Disaster Preparedness, And More, Alayne Torretta, Lynette Ranney Black
Using Pop Culture To Teach Youths Conflict Resolution, Healthful Lifestyles, Disaster Preparedness, And More, Alayne Torretta, Lynette Ranney Black
The Journal of Extension
Adolescents learn sustainable production techniques, civic engagement, leadership, public speaking, food safety practices, conflict resolution, disaster preparedness, and other life skills through Extension programming. Educators can increase participant interest in such programming by applying a creative pop culture twist, such as a zombie apocalypse theme. A pop culture take on a traditional topic infuses the educational experience with excitement and fun, which researchers stress increase motivation and learning. Who knew that understanding the U.S. government's structure and recognizing the importance of voting could thwart development of a biological weapon that might spawn a zombie apocalypse? Creative thinking such as this …
The Future Of Extension Leadership Is Soft Leadership, Jamie Seger, Paul Hill
The Future Of Extension Leadership Is Soft Leadership, Jamie Seger, Paul Hill
The Journal of Extension
Over the next decade, if Extension can attract and retain young professionals, the current leadership will have the opportunity to select the most creative and bright among them to serve in leadership positions across the country. Extension needs a paradigm shift—the most influential leaders beat to a different drum. We must collectively adopt the leadership practices that work and stop doing things that do not add value. Future leaders must possess soft skills, be adept communicators, be proactive while quick to respond, and be willing to create a flattened organizational structure that encourages creativity and innovation from the bottom up.
The New Farm Program: A Model For Supporting Diverse Emerging Farmers And Early-Career Extension Professionals, J. R. Sirrine, Cheryl L. Eschbach, Erin Lizotte, N. L. Rothwell
The New Farm Program: A Model For Supporting Diverse Emerging Farmers And Early-Career Extension Professionals, J. R. Sirrine, Cheryl L. Eschbach, Erin Lizotte, N. L. Rothwell
The Journal of Extension
As early-career Extension educators challenged by societal, structural, agricultural, and fiscal trends, we designed a multiyear educational program to support the diverse needs of emerging specialty crop producers in northwest Michigan. This article presents outcomes of that program. We explore how Extension professionals can develop impactful programs that address the varied needs of the next generation of agricultural producers. We provide an overview of the New FARM program, addressing the rationale, program objectives, program logistics, evaluation results, and implications. We hope the New FARM program will serve as a useful model for early-career Extension professionals.
Whither Leadership, Whither Extension?, Steven B. Johnson
Whither Leadership, Whither Extension?, Steven B. Johnson
The Journal of Extension
Management and leadership in Extension have long been discussed. Leadership within Extension may not have evolved at the same rate as current issues. The current approach may not ensure success in future years. A new perspective on the current leadership approaches may be overdue. Leadership needs to go hand in hand with management, but one without the other rarely results in success. Weak or absent leadership forces the void to be filled by multiple individuals, leading to a lack of organizational cohesion. Worse yet, a dysfunctional organization may result. Many may have already recognized this and are leading from within.
The Impact Of Livestock Exhibition On Youth Leadership Life Skill Development: Youth Agricultural Organizations, Jessica Anderson, Jacklyn A. Bruce, David Ww Jones, James L. Flowers
The Impact Of Livestock Exhibition On Youth Leadership Life Skill Development: Youth Agricultural Organizations, Jessica Anderson, Jacklyn A. Bruce, David Ww Jones, James L. Flowers
The Journal of Extension
A quantitative ex post facto survey design was used to determine what, if any, difference exists in youth leadership life skill development between livestock exhibitors who participated in youth organizations and those who have not. Findings include a lack of statistical difference between those exhibitors who had participated in 4-H and FFA compared to those who had not. Recommendations include youth programs evaluating livestock programs to ensure the ultimate goal of life skill development is occurring and made known to the public.
Engaging Learners Through Collaborative Learning: Leadership Development Of County Extension Directors And Lessons Learned, Patricia Sobrero, Ksu Jayaratne
Engaging Learners Through Collaborative Learning: Leadership Development Of County Extension Directors And Lessons Learned, Patricia Sobrero, Ksu Jayaratne
The Journal of Extension
The leadership institute, targeting new and aspiring county Extension directors, was completely revised to reflect face-to-face and online constructivist learning theory and practice. New co-learning and engagement methods were incorporated, and all facilitators and teachers/presenters were trained and coached to use the new methods and philosophy. Five competency area outcomes were expected and then evaluated to determine level of competency development. The events, teachers, and activities of each of the four workshops were also evaluated to determine participants' satisfaction level. The results of the study showed that learning and application of practices occurred in all five competency areas.
Evaluation Of The Leadership Institute: A Program To Build Individual And Organizational Capacity Through Emotional Intelligence, Claire Yeuh-Ti Chen, Jeff King, Graham R. Cochran, Karen J. Argabright
Evaluation Of The Leadership Institute: A Program To Build Individual And Organizational Capacity Through Emotional Intelligence, Claire Yeuh-Ti Chen, Jeff King, Graham R. Cochran, Karen J. Argabright
The Journal of Extension
The purpose of the study reported here was to evaluate the impact of Leadership Institute, a program designed to strengthen leadership capacity through developing individuals' emotional intelligence (EQ). A pre- and posttest approach was used to collect data from two workshops with identical EQ content, program structure, and evaluation. Results showed the program yielded significant improvement on evaluation participants' overall EQ score and composite scales and subscales measuring specific areas of EQ. The findings support previous research that EQ can be learned and developed. Extension professionals are encouraged to consider programs to improve EQ as a tool for building capacity.
Perceptions Of Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassadors On Career Development, Higher Education, And Leadership Development, William F. Zanolini, John Rayfield, Jeff Ripley
Perceptions Of Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassadors On Career Development, Higher Education, And Leadership Development, William F. Zanolini, John Rayfield, Jeff Ripley
The Journal of Extension
Selected 4-H youth participated in the Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador program. Forty-five youth participated in the 3-day program delivered by university professors and staff, Texas AgriLife Extension faculty and industry representatives. An instrument was developed and administered to the Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassadors at the end of their first year of service to evaluate their perceptions regarding the perceived impacts the program had on: 1) career goals, 2) higher education opportunities, and 3) leadership development. The students perceived the Texas 4-H Livestock Ambassador Program increased their understanding of career development, higher education, and leadership development.
Leadership: Perspectives From Deaf Leaders And Interpreter Leaders, Marty M. Taylor
Leadership: Perspectives From Deaf Leaders And Interpreter Leaders, Marty M. Taylor
International Journal of Interpreter Education
This article examines leadership from the perspectives of 50 deaf leaders and interpreter leaders from Canada and the United States. This qualitative research study contributes to knowledge about what leaders value and what are important leadership practices to each group of leaders. Data were collected through individual interviews using semistructured open-ended questions. Twenty most frequent themes were identified in the interview data. The values of respect and communication were strongly related among and within the two groups. When participants were asked about the differences and similarities between deaf leaders and interpreter leaders, five themes were identified: the importance of relationships, …
Streetleverage.Com: A Social Web For Interpreter Educators, Deb Russell
Streetleverage.Com: A Social Web For Interpreter Educators, Deb Russell
International Journal of Interpreter Education
This Open Forum article features an interview conducted with Brandon Arthur, curator of StreetLeverage.com. In this interview, he describes the creation of StreetLeverage.com and the ways in which it is impacting educators, students, and practitioners. He explores the ways in which social media is shaping our field and how educators can embrace this new form of publishing in order to provide students with rich, meaningful material to bridge theory and practice. Finally, the article expands on the role of live events that build on dialogue as a mechanism for mobilizing interpreters and bringing changes to the profession.
Leadership Institute: Building Leadership Capacity Through Emotional Intelligence, Karen J. Argabright, Jeff King, Graham R. Cochran, Claire Yueh-Ti Chen
Leadership Institute: Building Leadership Capacity Through Emotional Intelligence, Karen J. Argabright, Jeff King, Graham R. Cochran, Claire Yueh-Ti Chen
The Journal of Extension
Given the changing dynamics of society and the pressures on Extension organizations to adapt, leadership effectiveness has become a crucial element of success. The program presented here is designed to enhance individual emotional intelligence. Through in-depth engagement of the participants, they learn to apply dynamics of emotional intelligence, enabling them as leaders to inspire commitment, motivate others, and build lasting relationships for the continued success of their organizations. An evaluation of this professional development program documented enhanced individual emotional intelligence.
The Fall Of The Faculty And The Rise Of The All-Administrative University And Why It Matters: A Book Review, Steven B. Johnson
The Fall Of The Faculty And The Rise Of The All-Administrative University And Why It Matters: A Book Review, Steven B. Johnson
The Journal of Extension
Benjamin Ginsberg's book, The Fall of the Faculty and the Rise of the All-Administrative University and Why It Matters, suggests that the downfall of universities lies in expansion of administrators who do not have an academic or client orientation, but rather a managerial orientation. Dr. Ginsberg, David Bernstein Professor of Political Science at Johns Hopkins University, chronicles the disproportionate rise in the number of administrators and other professional staff at the expense of faculty and students. Few solutions are presented, but the problem is well chronicled.
The Nature Of Organizational Learning In A State Extension Organization, Mary Simon Leuci
The Nature Of Organizational Learning In A State Extension Organization, Mary Simon Leuci
The Journal of Extension
Our complex and rapidly changing world demands a more nimble, responsive, and flexible Extension organization. The findings from a study involving interviews across a state Cooperative Extension Service paint a picture of organizational learning in Extension. Four key dimensions of learning surfaced. Of particular importance are the application of a model for organizational knowledge creation and the characteristics of transformational organizational learning for innovation. Recommendations focus on actively supporting organizational learning, developing ways to tap the vast knowledge and skills of Extension professionals, and institutionalizing means to transfer learning.
Extension Through A New Lens: Creativity And Innovation Now And For The Future, Karen Argabright, Jerry Mcguire, Jeff King
Extension Through A New Lens: Creativity And Innovation Now And For The Future, Karen Argabright, Jerry Mcguire, Jeff King
The Journal of Extension
"How can Extension thrive, not just survive?" This question, posited by the 2010 Extension Committee on Organization and Policy (p.1), echoes the literature addressing change within Extension. In this literature, prominent themes emerge reflecting the need for an organizational cultural transformation, aligned with an opportunity for creativity and innovation. Today's rapidly changing social and economic environments oblige Extension to re-conceive the future through creative thinking and innovative action to reduce barriers to success. Embracing the process of creativity and innovation in our everyday organizational practice will unlock a vast number of new opportunities for Extension.
Identifying The Factors Influencing Professional Volunteer Leadership In The National Association Of Extension 4-H Agents, Alexa Lamm, Debbie Nistler, Nicole Stedman
Identifying The Factors Influencing Professional Volunteer Leadership In The National Association Of Extension 4-H Agents, Alexa Lamm, Debbie Nistler, Nicole Stedman
The Journal of Extension
Many Extension professional associations have had trouble getting members to participate in national leadership opportunities. The study reported here examined the perception of members of a national Extension professional organization (NAE4-HA) regarding specific leadership actions. It found the single act of taking on a leadership position alters individuals' perceptions of leadership, directly driving their desires to be involved or not. Creating a sense of belonging and inclusiveness with the general membership can greatly improve the quality of the leadership experiences these individuals have, reinforcing their desire to affiliate and identify with being part of an association at the national level.
The Wolfpack Leadership Academy: Providing Leadership Development For The Newest Members Of The Extension Family, Jacklyn A. Bruce, Mark Kistler
The Wolfpack Leadership Academy: Providing Leadership Development For The Newest Members Of The Extension Family, Jacklyn A. Bruce, Mark Kistler
The Journal of Extension
The need for leadership is evident in today's society. More and more, educational responsibilities are being turned over to local governments and community organizations like Extension. This increased responsibility equates to a need for all Extension educators to assume positions of leadership, if indeed they are to succeed in this increasingly competitive environment. The Wolfpack Leadership Academy will provide the opportunity for early career agents to attend a targeted, purposeful, intense leadership development academy designed to engage them in learning and applying the skills needed for future job success.
The Introverted Leader: Building On Your Quiet Strength—A Book Review, Steven B. Johnson
The Introverted Leader: Building On Your Quiet Strength—A Book Review, Steven B. Johnson
The Journal of Extension
Jennifer Kahnweiler's The Introverted Leader: Building on Your Quiet Strength presents a four-step process introverts can use to handle situations in the workplace, such as how to have your voice heard at a meeting. This book brings out concepts such as that introversion is not a disorder and that introverts can bring value to an organization. The book, filled with examples, reinforces the points of the four-step process. Presented is a process to effectively deal with situations where introversion may be preventing you from reaching your goals.
The Important Role Non-Parental Adults Have With Youth Learning Leadership, Brian Mcneill
The Important Role Non-Parental Adults Have With Youth Learning Leadership, Brian Mcneill
The Journal of Extension
Adults have a significant influence on the lives of young people. Qualities to look for in finding successful mentors are identified. The role that non-parental adults play in establishing leadership opportunities is explored. Recommendations are made for creating positive relationships with youth.
Creating The Capacity For Organizational Change: Personnel Participation And Receptivity To Change, Keith L. Smith, Cynthia B. Torppa
Creating The Capacity For Organizational Change: Personnel Participation And Receptivity To Change, Keith L. Smith, Cynthia B. Torppa
The Journal of Extension
In a climate of continuous change, Extension organizations must find ways to navigate immediate challenges while developing capacity to thrive as future challenges and opportunities arise. To find ways, personnel's participation in planning was encouraged to increase openness to change as OSU Extension created and implemented its new Strategic Plan. Findings indicate that personnel from all levels of the organization who participated in the planning process were more receptive and less pessimistic about the plan and more motivated to make the plan a success. These findings suggest participation may help personnel cope with current changes as well as build capacity …
Looking At Extension As A Learning Organization, Ellen Rowe
Looking At Extension As A Learning Organization, Ellen Rowe
The Journal of Extension
This article shares an understanding of how Extension at a major university serves as a Learning Organization and its capacity to address change. The study examined how to assess the capacity of staff members to promote organizational learning. The researcher administered a 43-item survey instrument, the Dimension of the Learning Organization Questionnaire (DLOQ), designed by Watkins and Marsick (1997) to Extension employees. As a strategic planning tool, the survey identifies organizational learning strengths and challenges at the individual, team, and organizational levels.
An Examination Of The Impact Of Organizational Restructuring On Identification Within Extension, Cynthia B. Torppa, Keith L. Smith
An Examination Of The Impact Of Organizational Restructuring On Identification Within Extension, Cynthia B. Torppa, Keith L. Smith
The Journal of Extension
Many Extension organizations enjoy strong Organizational Identification (OI) among personnel. But organizational change may negatively influence identification, and many Extension organizations have been changing the way they serve their publics. To examine the impact of change on OI, we compared Extension personnel's OI scores following a major restructuring to OI scores gathered during a period of relative stability reported in previous research from another Extension organization. Findings indicated that OI scores were slightly lower following restructuring; however, the pattern of scores across four targets (Extension, program area, counties, and centers) remained constant, suggesting personnel will rarely identify with mid-level targets.