I spent last week in the woods of Arkansas with around 80 Memphis leaders working on team building and discussing ways to create a better city.Leadership Memphis is an outstanding nonprofit that focuses on developing the inner leader that is in all of us. As a 2009 graduate of the program "The Best Class Ever!" I volunteered to return this year and help support the 2010 class which includes Councilman Edmund Ford, Jr. and Commissioner Freda Williams. I would like to take this moment to commend both Freda and Edmund for putting themselves through this year-long, demanding process so as to be better public servants. They both deserve all our praise.
In the top picture I'm with my good friend Chris Kelly who was also a 2009 Leadership Memphis Grad and volunteer. The facility in Arkansas is called Team Trek which is an 800 acre retreat scattered with team building obstacle courses such as a rope maze, balance beams, and rock climbing. The exercises are meant to challenge your thought processes, build team work and force you to combat your fears. After each obstacle team members sit and relate their actions to their real world obstacles.
In a time where many Memphians doubt the effectiveness of our leaders, this program offers real focus and development that is much needed.
