Leadership Focus
Leadership Focus is written by Deke Copenhaver, Principal with Copenhaver Consulting LLC. The former mayor of Augusta, a triathlete, writer and runner, Deke is focused on transforming great ideas into great actions.
Displaying Items 16-30 (of 55)
In his June column, Deke Copenhaver shares the perceptions people have of what a political leader is and reminds local elected leaders of the important role they play in influencing the leaders of tomorrow and shaping our nation's political climate.
Full Story
In his May column, Deke Copenhaver talks about his first book came about, GMA's small role in how he became a published author, and his deep belief of the important role cities play in our national life.
Full Story
In a time when our politics have become more toxic than ever before, I believe that it is of the utmost importance that leaders at the local level heighten their efforts to engender a sense of civic pride in current and future generations.
Full Story
In what can often be a siloed world, downtowns everywhere ultimately represent a melting pot and a connection point where local citizens and visitors alike can gather together on common ground.
Full Story
In cities across our state there are dynamic, energetic and emerging young leaders doing amazing things who are just waiting to be given a seat at the table and be part of the decision-making process of how our communities grow and evolve.
Full Story
I’ve come to realize that it’s physically impossible to join hands and work together if we maintain a constant focus on pointing fingers and placing blame, which seems to be a national obsession in politics these days.
Full Story
In a world so often fraught with controversy and confusion, it’s my humble opinion that true servant leadership, the kind that gives people hope and inspiration, is now more important than ever.
Full Story
During these turbulent political times, where our nation seems to be hopelessly divided along partisan lines, I firmly believe that if things are going to change, the change must begin at the local level.
Full Story
Today’s world, particularly in politics, seems to be increasingly bereft of the idea that treating people with common decency is a good thing, much less as a character trait we should encourage current and future generations to emulate. How do we fix a problem that seems unfixable in a society all too fixated on the idea that “might makes right” combined with a win at all cost mindset?
Full Story
In spite of the uninspiring, vitriolic and hyper-partisan nature of today’s political landscape, I believe that beneath the surface our nation is not as divided as some may think.
Full Story
It is my firm belief through watching and learning from the great leaders I’ve come in contact with that they all have in common one simple trait: they didn’t focus on seeking power but rather to empower those around them. For me the only real power that matters for transformational leaders is the power to inspire.
Full Story
It is my firm belief that transformational change within cities can best be achieved with a renewed focus on enlightened self-interest at all levels. When the private sector sets a vision which is subsequently supported by the public sector, great things can be achieved, creating an inertia which is hard for anyone, including the press, to ignore. In a world of often diminishing resources, our local business communities partnering with our local governments at a heightened level is the best possible scenario in order to truly fulfill the potential of any city.
Full Story
Fostering new leadership through the mentoring process isn’t just some warm fuzzy idea, it’s a key principle in ensuring that our work places and the places we call home are able to recruit and retain the lifeblood of the best and brightest young minds.
Full Story
Often times it seems as though investment in the local arts and culture community rise to the top of the list of potential cuts. However, from an economic development perspective, quality-of-life investments are a major factor in business recruitment and is something that should never be undervalued.
Full Story
It's always been my firm belief that creating jobs and opportunity at all levels in the places we call home is simply a great equalizer which can cut across all political and socio-economic lines...if done correctly.
Full Story
Displaying Items 16-30 (of 55)