Developing Leaders, Building Networks: An Evaluation of the National Public Health Leadership Institute – 1991-2006

1. Developing Leaders, Building Networks: An Evaluation of the National Public Health Leadership Institute – 1991-2006 Karl Umble, Ph.D., M.P.H. PHLS Council Meeting – November 4, 2007

2. Purposes of this Presentation • Display a Map of all Findings • Present a Focused Overview of Outcomes related to National Networks and PHLS • Guide Future Leadership Development and PHLS Activities

3. Methods • On-line survey of all: • Nearly 400 responses (61%) • Interviews: • Graduates (17) • Interviews - national leaders as “key informants” (18)

4. Individual Leader Development Leader Actions Systems and Infrastructure Development PHLI Network Development Network Actions Map of Findings

5. Findings Related to National Networks and PHLS • PHLI Developed Individual Leaders • PHLI Influenced Graduates’ Actions and Voluntarism • PHLI Strengthened Networks • PHLI Strengthened Infrastructure and Systems • Warp and Woof: Leaders, Networks

6. PHLI Developed Leaders • Majorities Reported Improvements in: • Understanding and Skills • Sense of importance and value • Sense of belonging to national network • Confidence and courage to act • Interest in involvement

7. Validation and Courage Someone understood that our work as governmental public health officials was important, that we were important, and that we should be exposed to cutting edge thought. We were taken seriouslyand encouraged to speak out…. – Bobby Pestronk

8. Validation, Understanding, and Courage We were treated like we mattered… The most vivid learning was Peter Senge and systems thinking… that… gave me a lot of confidence … that there was actually some merit to the way I saw [systems development]… [And] I needed to say that rather than be cautious about it. - Susan Allan

9. Actions and Voluntarism • 81% had taken on additional “voluntary” roles, such as with task forces, associations, advocacy • 54% had taken on those roles and reported that PHLI had played some role – increased confidence, interest, skills, networks

10. Network, Identity, and Action I developed an incredible and permanent personal and professional connection to other scholars across the nation … I became passionate about my role as a leader…. I became actively involved in NACCHO … [and] in 2003 became president. [Without] PHLI, I may never have realized my potential as a national leader. – Jody Hershey

11. Network Development • Scholars emphasized the benefits of network development • Leadership networks were strengthened at national, state, and local levels • Formal networks were established directly related to PHLI – PHLS, NLN

12. Benefits of Network Development • Learning from one another during PHLI • Long-term knowledge sharing • Social support for courageous action • Being introduced to formal opportunities for collaborations (e.g. with NACCHO, ASTHO, PHLS)

13. Networks Influenced Member Thinking and Actions Through PHLI, I met other PH leaders across the country, and have maintained friendships with them since 1997. This network of accomplished leaders has been an invaluable source of advice, best practices, referrals, and support… a leadership network has been essential in my career.

14. Leadership Networks Were Strengthened • National – professional associations – e.g. NACCHO, ASTHO, NALBOH • State – Public Health Associations, informal networks of PHLI graduates, State and Regional leadership programs • Local – coalitions, partnerships • All levels: Critical masses, team actions

15. Systems and Infrastructure Were Developed • Programs • Organizations • Policies • Systems

16. Questions Asked • Can you think of an “organizational change” that PHLI graduates influenced directly or indirectly? • Also asked that for “program,” “systems,” and “policy” changes.

17. “Changes Influenced by PHLI Graduates” as Reported in Survey Respondents

18. Describe ONE of those in some detail and explain how PHLI contributed… 287 provided detailed responses about organizations, programs, policies, collaborations, systems changes

19. National Systems Changes [A] reconceptualization of the public health system following [the 1988] IOM Future of Public Health report. Early graduates and subsequent graduates have been the “thought leaders” advancing the reconceptualization. [This is important because it] has helped a whole new generation of public health officials rethink their work.

20. National Systems Changes PHLI brought PH leaders together to share experiences, become true colleagues, and create a common ideal for WHAT public health could become. I do not believe we would have pushed public health in the direction of creating a national accreditation system … without the efforts and vision of PHLI graduates.

21. State and Local Changes • Many implementations of Ten Essential Services, Performance Standards, Accreditation • Many were reorganizations of state and local systems and organizations • Instigated by individuals, teams, and critical masses of graduates

22. Ideas for the Future • Offer a continuum: PHLI, continuing ed, informal learning - vibrant networks • Integrate LD at national and state levels • Strengthen networks: succession planning and national issues work • Strengthen evaluation • Try to improve funding

23. Warp and Woof Leader Development and Network Development were mutually supportive Created fertile ground for diffusion of innovations