Unlocking the Power of Communication: RLND Class X Seminar 6 Explores Leadership Skills in Grand Forks

RLND Class X gathered in Grand Forks for Seminar 6, focusing on Communication in Leadership. This impactful event, held from November 20-22, 2024, provided participants with tools and insights to enhance their leadership capabilities through meaningful and effective communication.

The seminar kicked off with interactive sessions on Emotional Intelligence and Crucial Conversations, led by NDSU Extension leadership specialist Jodi Bruns. These workshops emphasized self-awareness, emotional regulation, and strategies for navigating challenging dialogues—cornerstones of effective leadership. The Crucial Conversations framework—starting with mutual purpose, describing issues factually, encouraging dialogue, and agreeing on next steps—proved to be a powerful reminder for participants of how to navigate complex interactions effectively.

Insights into Rural Housing and Leadership Communication
Lisa Rotvold of the Red River Community Housing Development Organization inspired participants with her session on rural housing challenges. She emphasized the importance of stepping up where others cannot and reminded everyone to "continue to have the conversation" to create change in their communities. For those interested, information about the ND Housing Incentive Fund was also shared, providing an actionable resource for those committed to addressing housing issues in rural areas.

Farm Succession Stories
A session with farm families offered invaluable lessons in connection to the land and navigating transitions. The presenters underscored the importance of surrounding farmers with supportive networks and highlighted how clear communication is integral to sustaining rural legacies. Their personal stories brought a human element to the session, emphasizing that “it is not always what you say; it is what you do.”

Leadership Panel: Insights from Local Experts
A leadership panel featuring Melissa Beach, RLND Class IV, Jennifer Dusek, and Julie Gemmill, RLND Class VI highlighted how accurate, trustworthy communication can drive success in rural economic development. Julie Gemmill reminded participants to "plant seeds and wait for them to grow," while Melissa shared her philosophy of supporting others' passions through encouragement and modeling. Jenny offered insightful advice on leveraging local citizen pillars to build strong and effective teams.

Immersive Site Visits: Leadership in Action
The seminar included several immersive site visits that showcased communication and leadership in practice. At Sweet Street Bakery, participants witnessed how team collaboration and overcommunicating through challenges can create purpose-driven organizations. The ND Mill visit emphasized the power of building personal relationships to enhance communication, while ND Coffee Roastery, led by Dr. Sandi Luck, provided an inspiring example of leadership through entrepreneurship.

Closing Session: Ghana at a Glance
Dr. Delore Zimmerman’s presentation on Ghana offered a rich overview of the country’s economy and culture, igniting excitement for the upcoming international study seminar. His session provided participants with a broader perspective on leadership and agriculture in a global context, preparing them for what promises to be an extraordinary experience.

Key Reflections from Seminar 6
Throughout the seminar, several key insights resonated with participants:

• Emotional Intelligence: Participants explored the importance of self-awareness, managing conflict, and strengthening their awareness of others.
• Crucial Conversations: The skills to navigate challenging dialogues remain essential for leaders, and accountability partners were encouraged to help practice and apply these skills.
• Communication in Leadership: From Lisa Rotvold’s rural housing session to the leadership panel and farm succession stories, the seminar underscored the transformative power of clear, intentional communication in tackling challenges and fostering growth.
• Leadership in Action: Visits to Grand Sky, the ND Mill, and Sweet Street Bakery provided real-world examples of how communication fuels innovation, strengthens teams, and drives community development.

RLND Class X left Grand Forks inspired and equipped with strategies to integrate purposeful communication into their leadership practices. This seminar demonstrated how effective communication can transform not only teams and organizations but also entire communities.