The NCBC LEAD Academy Spotlight is a new feature of the IMPACT that allows NCBC members across the nation to get to know participants of the FIRST-EVER LEAD Academy!
Name: Crystal Gantt
Title: CM/ECF Administrator
Court: Louisiana Western Bankruptcy Court
What was the time commitment for the program? How did you integrate that into your work-life balance?
I was able to dedicate at least one hour daily to my assignments; therefore, I was able to commit 4-5 hours per week to the LEAD Academy. In order to maintain a proper work-life balance, I created a structured schedule for me to follow in the very beginning of the program and I tried not to waver from that schedule. I did not allow myself to get distracted or fall behind on my assignments. I pre-scheduled meetings with my mentor so that we could add those meetings to both of our calendars ahead of time. Although the program is demanding, the course syllabus provided ample time to meet assignment deadlines.
Mentorship was a big component of the LEAD Academy. Can you share with us a bit about how the mentoring relationship has impacted you?
The mentoring aspect of the LEAD Academy, in my opinion, was one of the most powerful experiences incorporated into the program. I had the privilege of selecting my direct supervisor, Tommie Slatten, as my mentor. Due to our ongoing working relationship, we were able to discuss mentor-mentee challenge questions openly and freely. This allowed us the ability to relate the assignment topics to our own court (LAWB). My mentor has extensive court experience; therefore, she was able to provide insight to me on various topics. In exchange, I was able to discuss with her my perspective. Being able to build a mentoring relationship with my supervisor has had such a positive impact on me.
As part of this program, participants completed a pre-conference workshop at the 2019 NCBC Conference in Chicago. Can you tell us a bit about what that was like?
The LEAD Academy pre-conference workshop at the 2019 NCBC Conference was the glue that tied all of the assignments together. The workshop was an invaluable tool that allowed us the opportunity to meet other participants and network with employees from other courts. The workshop mimicked a classroom setting. There were approximately 8 participants pre-assigned to each conference room table. The class instructors took turns reviewing each of the topics that we had covered prior to attending NCBC. This was really an engaging way to get participants to dive deep into discussion in an analytical manner. The workshop consisted of teaching, question and answer segments, discussion, role-play, and team exercises. The opportunity to work in small groups promoted teamwork and collaboration. We were all from different courts with different organizational cultures, but we were able to come together as a collective group during the workshop.
How has your participation in the LEAD Academy impacted your career?
My participation in the LEAD Academy has broadened my knowledge regarding leadership within the courts. However, the information shared in this program has also given me insight about myself and how to lead with my strengths as discussed in the CliftonStrengths assessment that all participants completed. Learning how to understand the culture of the courts, how to mentor, how to lead from where you are, and how to form a team are gems that will stick with me throughout my career. The LEAD Academy has impacted my career by giving me the tools needed to become a better employee, a better leader, and a better teammate.
Are there any additional thoughts you'd like to share with us?
I would encourage everyone to apply to this program. The course assignments covered some of the same topics that I covered in my MBA graduate program; therefore, I consider the LEAD Academy to be an advanced program that will prepare you for becoming a true leader. Please take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.
Name: Crystal Gantt
Title: CM/ECF Administrator
Court: Louisiana Western Bankruptcy Court
What was the time commitment for the program? How did you integrate that into your work-life balance?
I was able to dedicate at least one hour daily to my assignments; therefore, I was able to commit 4-5 hours per week to the LEAD Academy. In order to maintain a proper work-life balance, I created a structured schedule for me to follow in the very beginning of the program and I tried not to waver from that schedule. I did not allow myself to get distracted or fall behind on my assignments. I pre-scheduled meetings with my mentor so that we could add those meetings to both of our calendars ahead of time. Although the program is demanding, the course syllabus provided ample time to meet assignment deadlines.
Mentorship was a big component of the LEAD Academy. Can you share with us a bit about how the mentoring relationship has impacted you?
The mentoring aspect of the LEAD Academy, in my opinion, was one of the most powerful experiences incorporated into the program. I had the privilege of selecting my direct supervisor, Tommie Slatten, as my mentor. Due to our ongoing working relationship, we were able to discuss mentor-mentee challenge questions openly and freely. This allowed us the ability to relate the assignment topics to our own court (LAWB). My mentor has extensive court experience; therefore, she was able to provide insight to me on various topics. In exchange, I was able to discuss with her my perspective. Being able to build a mentoring relationship with my supervisor has had such a positive impact on me.
As part of this program, participants completed a pre-conference workshop at the 2019 NCBC Conference in Chicago. Can you tell us a bit about what that was like?
The LEAD Academy pre-conference workshop at the 2019 NCBC Conference was the glue that tied all of the assignments together. The workshop was an invaluable tool that allowed us the opportunity to meet other participants and network with employees from other courts. The workshop mimicked a classroom setting. There were approximately 8 participants pre-assigned to each conference room table. The class instructors took turns reviewing each of the topics that we had covered prior to attending NCBC. This was really an engaging way to get participants to dive deep into discussion in an analytical manner. The workshop consisted of teaching, question and answer segments, discussion, role-play, and team exercises. The opportunity to work in small groups promoted teamwork and collaboration. We were all from different courts with different organizational cultures, but we were able to come together as a collective group during the workshop.
How has your participation in the LEAD Academy impacted your career?
My participation in the LEAD Academy has broadened my knowledge regarding leadership within the courts. However, the information shared in this program has also given me insight about myself and how to lead with my strengths as discussed in the CliftonStrengths assessment that all participants completed. Learning how to understand the culture of the courts, how to mentor, how to lead from where you are, and how to form a team are gems that will stick with me throughout my career. The LEAD Academy has impacted my career by giving me the tools needed to become a better employee, a better leader, and a better teammate.
Are there any additional thoughts you'd like to share with us?
I would encourage everyone to apply to this program. The course assignments covered some of the same topics that I covered in my MBA graduate program; therefore, I consider the LEAD Academy to be an advanced program that will prepare you for becoming a true leader. Please take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.