The Nebraska LEAD Program and the Nebraska National Guard are joining forces to provide Nebraska agricultural leaders with a firsthand look at military leadership, decision-making and the Nebraska National Guard’s role in serving communities across the state.
As part of a new collaboration, Nebraska LEAD Fellows will participate in a one-day Nebraska National Guard experience Monday, Sept. 21, during the kickoff seminar for Nebraska LEAD Class 45. The experience will bring together leaders from the military and emerging leaders from the Nebraska LEAD cohort to explore leadership principles and the challenges of making decisions in complex and rapidly changing environments.
The Nebraska National Guard experience will include sessions focused on military leadership and organizational leadership, decision-making for agricultural leaders and a senior leadership panel featuring representatives from the military, agriculture, private industry and government.
The experience will also provide Nebraska LEAD Fellows with a greater understanding of the Nebraska National Guard’s role beyond its military mission, including its support of Nebraska communities during natural disasters and emergencies. Nebraska National Guard personnel have assisted communities during events such as wildfires and floods and have provided support for major events and other situations requiring additional personnel and resources.
“Leadership is about much more than the position a person holds. It’s about making decisions, bringing people together and being prepared to respond when circumstances change,” said Kurtis Harms, director of the Nebraska LEAD Program.
“This experience gives our Fellows an opportunity to learn from leaders who make those kinds of decisions every day. Just as importantly, it will help them better understand the Nebraska National Guard and the important role it plays in supporting communities across Nebraska, whether responding to a wildfire or flood, assisting during a major event or helping communities navigate an unexpected challenge.”
Major General Craig Strong, adjutant general of the Nebraska National Guard, said the collaboration provides an opportunity to connect military leadership principles with the leadership challenges faced by agricultural and community leaders.
“Leadership requires preparation, adaptability and a commitment to the people you serve,” Strong said. “The Nebraska National Guard is proud to share our experiences with the Nebraska LEAD Fellows and demonstrate how those principles guide our Soldiers and Airmen as they serve Nebraska and our nation. We look forward to learning from these agricultural leaders as well and building a relationship that benefits both organizations.”
The collaboration reflects the shared commitment of the Nebraska LEAD Program, the Nebraska National Guard and the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources to developing leaders who are prepared to serve their organizations, communities and state.
“Strong leaders are lifelong learners who seek out experiences that challenge their thinking and broaden their understanding of the world around them,” said Tiffany Heng-Moss, Harlan Vice Chancellor of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. “This collaboration creates an exceptional opportunity for Nebraska LEAD Fellows to learn from the Nebraska National Guard while also connecting leadership lessons to agriculture, business, government and communities across our state. These experiences help prepare our Fellows to lead with confidence, perspective and a strong sense of service.”
The senior leadership panel will further emphasize the importance of collaboration across sectors and the value of bringing diverse perspectives to complex issues facing Nebraska.
The Nebraska LEAD Program, administered through the Nebraska Agricultural Leadership Council in partnership with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, prepares and motivates men and women in agriculture for more effective leadership. The two-year program combines classroom learning, seminars, travel and hands-on experiences designed to develop informed, engaged leaders who can contribute to the future of Nebraska agriculture and communities.
The Nebraska National Guard is composed of the Nebraska Army National Guard and Nebraska Air National Guard. In addition to its federal mission, the Nebraska National Guard supports the state during emergencies and disasters and provides assistance to communities and state agencies when requested.
The Nebraska LEAD Class 45 kickoff seminar will take place Sept. 21–23 in Lincoln, with the Nebraska National Guard experience serving as a featured component of the Fellows’ first seminar in the program.
