Leaders all: CalCPA's Leadership Institute is waiting--for you.

• Author: Rumrill, Amberly
• Position: LEADERSHIPINSTITUTE

Strong leaders in strategic positions are key to the continued success of CalCPA--and your business. And whether you are a seasoned leader or fairly green, CalCPA's Leadership Institute can help you hone your leadership skills for future volunteer and professional success.

"The institute was a great experience for me; another great member benefit," says CalCPA Chair Marc Parkinson, who participated in the precursor to today's institute, back in 2000. "I learned so many leadership skills that prepared me for my role at CalCPA and benefited my firm. Members should take advantage of the opportunity."

It was the success of the 2000 program that inspired 2005-06 CalCPA Chair Chris Yahng to revitalize the Leadership Institute and make it a cornerstone of his term.

"The Leadership Institute is aimed at strengthening CalCPA members to better serve the profession and their own firms and companies," says Yahng. "It's especially important because it helps us promote diversity and encourage younger CPAs to become engaged in the profession."

The five-day course is held in three separate sessions over four months, and features such topics as leadership behavior, managing people and firm management. Participants are encouraged to identify helpful--and not-so-helpful--leadership techniques, as well as analyze their own leadership strategies.

The selection committee chooses participants who represent diverse geographic and ethnic demographics, as well as those with different levels of leadership experience.

UP AND RUNNING

Inland Empire Chapter President Scott Hofferber is a 2005-06 graduate and says his experience already has paid dividends for his employer, San Bernardino-based Farmdale Creamery, Inc.

"I was able to bring back succession planning tools and concepts to the company, which is family-owned," Hofferber says.

But the Leadership Institute also has helped him understand what it means to be a better leader.

"This course builds your sensitivity to try and lead people from where they are professionally toward where you want or need them to be," he says. "It gives you the tools to understand team-building techniques, and illustrates why cracking the whip on everybody isn't the most appropriate or effective approach."

UNDERSTANDING LEADERSHIP ON A NEW LEVEL

Much of this self-discovery came about through the supportive class environment Hofferber experienced. Just 16 participants made up the 2005-06 class, encouraging a close-knit atmosphere that led to...