b'BY CISCO GOMEZ, MUKILTEO SCHOOL DISTRICTLeadership, Laughter, and LearningHighlights from the WAMOA Leadership SeminarI n the scenic town of Leavenworth,personalities in the workforce, WA, the WAMOA Leadershipone participant said. She made Seminar opened its doors for twome look at people from a different unforgettable days. Leaders andperspective by showing how points of top contributors from various schoolview and backgrounds are so vital in districts and vendor partners cameunderstanding how people work.together, eager to learn and grow. TheCourtney didnt stop there. She heart of the seminar was two half-daysshowed everyone that its not just of learning, led by Courtney Ramsey,what you say but how you say it a leadership consultant, speaker, andthat can really make a difference. trainer from Dallas, Texas. Recognizing your own communication style and adapting it to fit your team Lessons on Leading Well can lead to better outcomes and a Courtneys session dove righthappier workplace. into the meat of leadership:The second day focused on how communicating with your team andto have difficult conversations, the importance of building strongwith Courtney sharing a five-step relationships. She shared that ourformula that helps set up most any childhood experiences shape us, andconversation for success. AssumingMarch Madness starting, the evening theyre key to how we see the worldpositive intent and stating oneswas filled with cheers and chatter as and work with others. Attendees wereintent out loud at the beginning of thepeople gathered to watch the games engaged and energetic as they tookconversation was at the heart of theand unwind.part in discussions and brainstormingcontent. Courtney explained that this sessions. They recognized thatis where conversations often get offA Seminar to Rememberunderstanding each team memberstrack, as egos can get in the way andAs the seminar came to a close, unique background and perspectivedefenses get triggered. By the endthere was a strong sense of new is a big piece of the leadership puzzle.of the session, attendees were ablebeginnings. Participants left with This session was absolutely spotto work through the formula and geta stronger network, a better on to understanding the differentfeedback from their peers on how tounderstanding of leadership, and a approach their real-world challenges. plan to put their new skills into action. There were plenty of laughs and fun, Beyond the Conference Room: with some serious takeaways that Food, Fun, and Hoops are practical. Its worth the time, a Most know that the real value ofparticipant summed up. Being a leader any conference isnt found in theis about continuous learning and content alone. Its also found in theconnecting, and thanks to the seminar, conversations you have in the halls andeveryone went home with a renewed the new relationships that are built.sense of purpose and the tools to lead The WAMOA events team, led by thewith greater confidence.leaders of Washington schools, knowsIf you didnt get to attend this year, how to treat its guests. The team,be sure to join in 2025. The WAMOA together with the staff at the EnzianLeadership Seminar does more than Inn, laid out an incredible breakfastjust fill journals with notesits a great and a German-themed dinner that wasway to get reenergized for the rest of nothing short of amazing. And withthe year. 18 WAMOA JOURNALSPRING 2024'