The Denver Leadership Group (DLG) is comprised of 20 individuals who have chosen to lead by example by incorporating the U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) Guiding Principles into their daily lives. As a grassroots effort, they have taken the leadership knowledge and skills gained from attendance at the USGS Leadership 101 and 201 courses and are spreading the leadership message throughout the 15 Central Region (CR) states. They have ignited Biology, Geology, National Mapping, Water, and the Regional Office with the leadership fire by sharing the vision, "creating a leadership-centered culture throughout the USGS."
The DLG strongly believes in continuous learning and has provided the CR employees with tools to help bring the leadership vision to fruition. They have successfully educated and encouraged the Central Executive Leadership Team (CELT) to support their leadership activities. In October 2000 the DLG organized, coordinated, and sponsored two 1-day interdisciplinary Leadership Forums. The response following this forum was overwhelming with recommendations to make this an annual educational event. The annual forums have grown to two 1.5-day sessions with active participation of the CELT and where DLG members give presentations and facilitate the event. The group also sponsors monthly brown-bag luncheon sessions on topics including "Science in the Public Interest," "Scientific Ethics," and "The Art of Storytelling as a Leadership Tool." To date they have exposed 130 people in the USGS to leadership concepts. They exemplify servant leadership.
Although the DLG has no budget, they have managed to feature highly sought after educators and presenters by forming cooperative working relationships throughout the various disciplines of the USGS. Though small in number they are big in heart. They are a true testament that together we can make a difference!
Note: The Denver Leadership Group was a recipient of the 2002 Excellence in Leadership Award.)
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