HUD Region 2 Managers and Supervisors Sharpen Their Leadership Skills

Photo (l-r): William Diaz, Multifamily; Stacey Schrager, Multifamily; George Savapoulas, Multifamily; Jo-Ann Frey, FHEO; Yvette Lugo, Multifamily; Kisha Wright, SF Housing; Jay Golden, FHEO; Andrea Hodge, OCHCO; Robert Norrington, FHEO; Christopher Ingram, PIH; Joy Sams (Andrea's Mom who baked the cake); Diane Lima, Multifamily; and, Mirza Orriols, HUD Region 2 Acting Regional Administrator

In an effort to add value to the lives of the Managers and Supervisors in the New York Regional office, Andrea Hodge, HR Specialist, facilitated a Mastermind Group study on "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership" by John Maxwell. This is a 10-week in-depth study that afforded the leadership across the different Program areas the opportunity to join forces and mastermind with like-minded individuals that are focused on taking results in every area of their lives to a new level. It has been found that having the support and ideas from other focused and driven people allows participants to see things differently, and to get a new perspective on goals and action plans.

This course could not have happened without the support of FPM. When Andrea presented this concept to Mirza Orriols, Acting Regional Administrator, she immediately embraced the idea and supported the cause by getting approval from FPM to purchase the required books "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership" for the participants.

"Having a leadership role at any organization is a challenge and I am proud of our managers and supervisors for taking the opportunity and the time from their busy schedules to expand their knowledge," said Mirza Orriols, HUD Acting Regional Administrator for Region 2. "Their dedication helps our agency to move forward and to be more effective. Thank you Andrea for taking the interest and the time to offer this valuable information to our staff."

The course was well received, and attendance was consistent. The ground rules were simply; no cell phones for the hour of participation, total commitment to the successful completion of assignments, and one hundred percent group participation. Participants were tasked to give themselves permission to be vulnerable, and move away from their comfort zones and explore areas of strength and areas of opportunity for improvement. They were also asked to look inward at their roles both professionally and personally, and identify areas where they could add value to others. Here are some of the comments on the final evaluations:

• "The course was very enlightening. It should ideally be an on-going process."
• "I just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed the leadership training. I am utilizing many of the techniques discussed and will continue to do so. You have added value to me. Thanks!"
• "I wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed the class and getting to know you. It is a wonderful learning opportunity and you are a great teacher. I hope the Department continues to offer it. I think I've become a leadership junkie! I can't get enough. I promise to do my homework."

John Maxwell is a best-selling author with over 21 million books sold on leadership. He is a legendary speaker for Fortune 500 companies, foreign governments, the National Football League, the United States Military Academy at West Point and the United Nations. He is also a trainer of more than 5 million people in 153 countries, worldwide.

As one of the Founding members of the John Maxwell Coaching, Speaking and Teaching Team, Andrea Hodge, U.S. Army Vietnam Era Veteran, Social Worker and HR Specialist is certified to facilitate training initiatives on the topic of leadership as well as assist participants to effectively raise their leadership lid by understanding and implementing the principles of the 21 irrefutable laws of leadership. According to John Maxwell "Leadership is about influence, nothing more, and nothing less." Andrea is determined to influence as many people as she can and help them achieve their goals. She says: "As a Veteran one of my yardsticks for determining good leadership is if I would willingly follow the leader into battle. If we are not adding value to others, and influencing people in a positive manner, no matter who they are, then we are just marking time."

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