Developing a Comprehensive Leadership Program for Extension County Directors

Abstract

This article provides an overview of the development and components of LEAD95, University of Tennessee (UT) Extension’s comprehensive leadership program for county-level leaders. The program was designed in accordance with results from a Delphi study, which identified critical skills and resources new county directors need to be successful. The program consists of face-to-face workshops, an online resource tool kit, online learning opportunities, a multirater assessment, and mentoring. Expected outcomes include increased competency, increased job satisfaction, and more consistent leadership and direction among county-level leaders in the UT Extension system.