Ensuring the Organization's Future: A Leadership Development Case Study

Many public sector agencies currently facing mass retirements from long-term, experienced workers are struggling to fill higher-level leadership roles. The County of San Diego has employed creative methods to address this “brain drain.” Through intensive leadership development, the county is developing its future leaders using a variety of cutting-edge training tools. According to Human Resource Director Carlos Arauz, “By involving the executive leadership team and by implementing a comprehensive Leadership Academy, among other key HR-related improvements, the county is working to become an employer of choice.” This article will outline the steps taken by the County of San Diego to implement the Leadership Academy and will offer tips for other agencies wishing to embark on their own leadership development efforts.