Following her completion of the LeadershipFPRA program, Erin Morton, APR, CPRC, found a deeper appreciation for her craft and honed her leadership skills. She shares her LeadershipFPRA journey and what the program taught her about business and herself.
As I neared the conclusion of my year as president of our chapter last year, I began to think about the next step in my professional development journey. I was interested in continuing to develop my leadership skills, and I had heard so many great things about the LeadershipFPRA program from friends and colleagues who participated in the inaugural class. I am so glad that I applied and was granted a space in the second class of the LeadershipFPRA program. And I am incredibly grateful to the Gainesville Chapter for awarding me a partial scholarship, which allowed for my participation.
As the program’s description states, “LeadershipFPRA provides our members with the tools they need to become stronger leaders in the organizations, their communities and FPRA.” I couldn’t agree with this summary more. Beginning with the program’s orientation, I was so impressed with the level of detail put into each and every session. The program’s orientation was followed by five seminar-styled leadership training classes facilitated by leaders in communications and other disciplines throughout the state, and the year culminated with a graduation ceremony and recognition during Annual Conference.
LeadershipFPRA provided such a wonderful opportunity to take time out for myself – to focus on getting to know my leadership style, further develop my leadership skills, and enhance my knowledge in areas of business that are very different from my own. One of the most valuable aspects of the program is the relationships built with communications professionals throughout the state – from different industries, varied levels of experience and unique insights.
The program promised that participants, “…will be better equipped to not only function as PR professionals in their respective workplaces, but also strengthen their rightful seat at the boardroom table and to evolve into further leadership roles in FPRA, their communities and the industry in general.” I could not agree with this statement more, and I’m so glad that I made the investment in my leadership journey through the LeadershipFPRA program.