Rumi Portillo speaks during a session (Photo courtesy Tripepi Smith & Associates)
When I talk to my colleagues, I sometimes get asked what is the most valuable training I have taken. I have to say hands down the most valuable has been the Credentialed Government Leader Program through MMANC.
With the Winter Forum coming up at the end of February which offers two great CGL courses, I want to articulate why CGL is so worthwhile and encourage you to consider it for yourself.
I graduated from the Credentialed Government Leader Program in April 2015 after beginning in December 2013.
Here is what I gained from CGL:
Fresh Perspective
The first step in CGL is an assessment tool to gauge current skills, knowledge and interests. After focusing only on the coming days, weeks, and sometimes years, it was great to take a step back and get a fresh perspective through the assessment results. It both reminded me of things I already knew about myself and revealed some new things.
Tools in the Toolbox
Through these consistently high-quality workshops offered by MMANC on a variety of topics, I have gained better tools to attack the problems I encounter in my career. I’ve been able to refer back to my eight CGL courses as issues have come up.
A Guiding Hand
By far the most valuable part of my CGL experience was the guiding hand of my mentor. I knew Jennifer Phillips was going to be a great match as soon as I heard she was my mentor. She and I both transitioned from one job to another at roughly the same time and her support throughout was outstanding. She became my champion and helped me throughout.
[pullquote align=”left” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””] “Sometimes I get asked what is the most valuable training I have taken. I have to say hands down the most valuable has been the Credentialed Government Leader Program through MMANC.”[/pullquote]
Resume Builder
A resume builder is good, right? CGL is great to put on your resume under advanced leadership training, but it adds more weight than some other programs since it shows commitment because it’s longer than an afternoon or a couple of days.
Bonus!
After completing my credential, I was awarded a scholarship through ICMA-RC to attend the ICMA conference in Seattle. This really was the icing on the cake as it gave me yet another opportunity to learn and network with my colleagues.
CGL has an application fee and then the cost is the cost of attendance at workshops or conferences. Yes, you need to be strategic in picking MMANC programming and filling any gaps with options like the Cal-ICMA webinars. MMANC has a commitment to try to offer all the courses within two years. For more information about CGL, please go to the website at http://mmanc.org/index.aspx?nid=85.
