Training Philosophy of BLAST

Training will be directed primarily toward progressive leadership principles which impact the day-to-day operations of a NWS field or regional office. These concepts can be used by any individual in a local or regional office. The goal of the training is to equip the participant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to operate pro-actively and sensitively at a field or regional office to accomplish the national strategic vision. Training will primarily be facilitated by established leaders.

Training Schedule

BLAST is a two-year program consisting of the following...

Off-site training (approximately five days) consisting of a mixture of vendor training, video tapes, along with interaction with NWS leaders. This training will be organized by SRH with primary instruction and facilitation led by NWS (Southern Region) leaders. Off site training will cover the following...

1. Self assessment.
2. Differentiating between leaders and managers.
3. Importance of teamwork.
4. Importance of people and diversity.
5. Working effectively and responsively with customers and partners.
6. Developing, communicating, and implementing a local vision.
7. Importance of strategic planning and measuring success.
8. Importance of networking.
9. Integrity and trust.
10. Tying it together.

Each participant will be required to be away from the office for a total of up to five working days during the first year of BLAST training.

Each BLAST participant will spend up to 1 additional week at SRH assisting a program manager, i.e., for regional headquarters orientation and national exposure. Scheduling for this aspect of BLAST will be flexible to take advantage of available times at the local office.

Leadership Library

To further leadership training, Southern Region Headquarters has a Leadership Library, which consists of audio tapes, video tapes, books, and workbooks. Any Southern Region employee (not just BLAST selectees) can check out a book or tape from the library through his/her office supervisor. This library is formulated around the interest of Southern Region employees on improving their leadership skills.

Some of the material has been rated by one or more reviewers. We ask that, upon return of any material you checkout, please provide a very brief review of the material. This will provide the next person with a better understanding of what he/she can expect from the lessons. 

Library Review Ratings
The ratings are based on a five star scale with the following evaluations...

	Highly Recommended
	Strongly Recommended
	Recommended
	Neutral
	Not Recommended
	Not Reviewed

Rating a book, tape or video? Provide a short paragraph - no more than 10 lines - that explains the rating. Try to base the rating and justification on...

1. Does the book/video tape/audio tape accomplish its goal (the goal is usually stated on the cover or in the preface)
2. Is the book/video tape/audio tape relevant?
3. It is easy to read and/or understand?

No more than two sentences should be provided for each of the three criteria.