Leadership Essentials Certificate Program

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Timing/Location

All courses will be held at the Hyatt Regency Orlando hotel.

Monday, May 5 – Thursday, May 8
Monday – Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – Noon

Program Overview

This three-part program establishes the foundation for LDR Leadership’s Performance Management Training, which helps new managers develop employees’ skills as well as their own. These skills are critical to organizational performance, employee development and retention, and leader growth.

The curriculum consists of three in-person courses (See "Course Details" accordion below for more information)

Proactive Performance Coaching (Part 1): Developing a coaching mindset and teaching new leaders, supervisors, and managers the principles and techniques to positively and proactively coach performance improvement.
Problem Identification and Decision Making (Part 2): Fostering productive decision-making.
Developing High-Performing Teams (Part 3): Identifying distinguishing characteristics and designing high-performing teams.

Program Requirements

To earn this certificate, participants must complete the following:

Complete the required coursework
- Proactive Performance Coaching (1.5 days)
- Problem Identification & Decision Making (1.5 days)
- Developing High-Performing Teams (1 day)
Submit a one-page plan for applying the knowledge to your work (within six months of completing the coursework)
- Write a one-page plan for how you will apply the knowledge you learned in the classroom to a real issue, challenge, opportunity, or towards your professional development as a leader.

Recommended for

This program is designed for new managers up to mid-level leaders who are interested in improving their management, communication, and leadership capabilities. Specifically:

First-time, new leaders: Emerging leaders who are looking to step into managerial positions and want to develop a strong foundation in performance coaching and decision-making.
Mid-level managers: Individuals who are responsible for leading teams and making critical decisions who would like to refine their leadership skills.
Human resources professionals: HR practitioners involved in training, development, and performance management who are seeking tools and techniques to support and enhance employee performance in their organization.
Project managers: Those who manage projects and teams that involve various stakeholders who are looking for a structured approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
Team leaders and supervisors: Frontline leaders who directly manage teams who want to learn proactive coaching techniques and decision-making strategies to lead more effectively.

Sample Agenda/Learning Outcomes

View a sample agenda and learning outcomes from the 2024 version of this course [PDF].

Course Level

Basic: No prerequisites; no advance preparation. All materials will be handed out on-site in the classroom. Participants will receive an email one week in advance of the course with logistical information.

What to Bring

No required materials or technology.

Delivery Method / Learning Environment

This course is a group-live offering and includes lecture style teaching, case studies, role playing scenarios, whole class and small group discussion and sharing, practical application exercises, as well as Q&A sessions.

Accreditation

The following continuing education credits will be provided, after successfully completing the course (view “accreditation” drop down below to review requirements). Certificates will be available by June 6.

Recommended CEUs 2/PDHs 21

About the Instructors

David Ritz, Senior Instructor, LDR Leadership

David specializes in leadership, strategic planning, organizational transformation,
and governance training. He brings a unique perspective to his classes, having served both as a CEO of a cooperative utility in Florida for 27 years and as a utility board member for 23 years. David was also a city and community manager and helped start one of Florida’s first stormwater drainage utilities. He has served on numerous civic, cultural, medical, and community boards. He started many innovative environmental programs and has been an advocate of continuous training his entire career. David received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Master of Arts in Public Administration, both from the University of Florida. He later completed the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government’s Senior Executives Program.

Shawn Tenace, Instructor, LDR Leadership

Dave is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in leading teams and organizations. His passion for helping others succeed and reach their fullest potential is the driving force behind LDR Leadership. Dave served in the United States Army, where he specialized in special operations forces as an Army Ranger. Throughout his military career, he completed eight combat deployments, working his way up to Lieutenant Colonel. His final assignment involved leading 650 Soldiers at The Old Guard, responsible for honoring and laying the nation's fallen heroes to rest at Arlington National Cemetery. In his pursuit of continuous learning, Dave earned a master's in leadership from Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business, and completed an Executive Level General Management Education program at Tuck Business School at Dartmouth and Columbia University's Executive Education program for Finance and Accounting for the Nonfinancial Professional.

Enrollment Fee

	Through April 4	After April 4
Members**	$2,900	$3,000
*The enrollment fee includes everything you need to participate in and receive your certificate: registration for the in-person courses, program enrollment fee, materials, post-course project review, and graduation plaque.
**Nonmember fees are double the member rate.

Questions?

Registration: Registration@PublicPower.org
Hotel: Meetings@PublicPower.org
Program/Content: EducationInfo@PublicPower.org
Billing: Finance@PublicPower.org

Course Details

Proactive Performance Coaching (Part 1)

May 5 – 6
Monday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 8:30 a.m. – Noon

Overview

Proactive Performance Coaching, or PPC, enhances leaders’ performance coaching, focusing on creating a positive environment where clear communication and positive reinforcement motivate employees to align with organizational objectives. Learn how communicating expectations in a positive environment — without implementing formal disciplinary steps — can encourage positive behavioral changes and encourage employees to ‘take ownership’ in achieving an organization’s goals.

Using a blend of instruction, problem-centered discussion, and experiential role-play, you’ll learn how to communicate more effectively with employees, including in helping them develop skills, stay motivated, and support a positive organizational culture. Role play some coaching scenarios to practice difficult conversations and try out the PPC method.

Topics

What makes for an effective Performance Management System
Setting expectations
Why people fail to perform and why NOT to use punitive discipline as a first resort
The PPC Model and Decision Cycle
Communicating effectively, including types of communication and elements of success
Active listening
Receiving and giving feedback
The elements of positive organizational culture
The characteristics of a good leader and manager
The nine criteria used in planning and executing a PPC session
The biggest inhibitors to morale in the workplace
Why managers fail with positive reinforcement, and a reinforcement model that works
The importance of investing in employee development
How to create a ‘Development Plan of Action’

Problem Identification and Decision Making (Part 2)

May 6 – 7
Tuesday: 1 – 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Overview

The human brain is capable of ten processes per second, which makes it far more powerful than any computer in existence. However, our memories are often less than optimal and we're subject to cognitive biases that can cause us to make questionable decisions and reach erroneous conclusions. These biases, when coupled with the very real impact of human emotions, often prevent leaders and teams from making the best decisions, leading to common mistakes.

Learn more about the 12 cognitive biases and an effective process to manage these human tendencies to enable productive decision-making. Get a new view on traditional decision-making paradigms, including how to start by identifying and defining a problem. Explore the typical limitations and biases that can undermine effective judgment and discuss strategies for overcoming these challenges. Dive into group decision-making dynamics and how to appropriately embrace conflict. Through a combination of small group discussion, assessments, activities, and other cognitive-bias awareness training, gain skills to help you be better equipped to tackle challenges, make informed decisions, and foster a responsive leadership style.

Topics

What a “Decision of Consequence” entails
How people normally make and evaluate decisions
The importance of implementing and processing over outcome
Creating a clear problem definition statement
How anxiety, uncertainty, and risk impact our decision making
The elements of an effective decision-making model
Defining your personal Decisional Behavioral Style
Decision logic and probability
Effective group decision-making and how it can provide check and balances against individual illogic
Managing conflict in group discussion and decision making
Avoiding the natural pressures that stifle discussion and disagreement
Developing High-Performing Teams: Identifying distinguishing characteristics and designing high-performing teams.

Developing High-Performing Teams (Part 3)

May 8
Thursday: 8:30 a.m. – Noon

Overview

There are certain characteristics that define high-performing teams: They are aligned with (and committed to) a common purpose; they show high levels of collaboration, innovation and trust; and have high levels of trust and supportive processes that enable any team member to surmount barriers in achieving the mutual goals.

Delve into the 10 key characteristics that distinguish high-performing teams and how you can design teams of different types to align with these traits. Review the data behind why team size and a compelling purpose matter, and how to best apply teaming principles within your team. Explore the LDR Leadership Team Effectiveness Model, the three criteria for effective teaming, and several useful application models, including a Team Launch Checklist to set conditions and follow through on the concepts covered in class.

Topics

Review the pillars of the LDR Leadership Team Effectiveness Model: Team alignment, team design, coaching mindset, team processes, and high-performing team culture
The 10 characteristics of a high-performing team
How brainstorming, social loafing, social anxiety, regression toward the mean, and production blocking affect team design and development
Effective team designs
The ‘iceberg theory’ and diversity in team design
How stereotypes and generational experiences manifest in the workplace and interactions
The Stages of Group Development

Through a variety of academic training methods, the instructors teach rising leaders sound principles and effective techniques to proactively coach performance and improve team dynamics. Get the tools needed for enhancing team performance and decision-making capabilities, ensuring immediate applicability for organizational success.

Registration

Register now!

Registration Assistance: Review registration FAQs or contact Registration@PublicPower.org

	Registration received by April 4		Registration received after April 4
	Members	Others	Members	Others
Accounting
Accounting Bundle: three courses (save $300)	$2,785	$5,870	$3,085	$6,170
Public Utility Accounting, May 5-6	$1,195	$2,390	$1,295	$2,490
Electric Work Order & Fixed Asset Accounting, May 7	$695	$1,390	$795	$1,490
Advanced Public Utility Accounting, May 8-9	$1,195	$2,390	$1,295	$2,490
Cost of Service & Rate Design
COS/Rates Bundle: three courses (save $300)	$2,285	$4,870	$2,585	$5,170
Basic Cost of Service & Key Financial Concepts, May 5	$695	$1,390	$795	$1,490
Strategic Rate Design: Trends and Distributed Generation Impacts, May 6	$695	$1,390	$795	$1,490
Cost of Service Workshop: Implementation and Applications, May 7-8	$1,195	$2,390	$1,295	$2,490
Underground Distribution
Underground Bundle: two courses (save $200)	$2,590	$5,180	$2,790	$5,380
Underground Distribution Systems, May 5-7	$1,795	$3,500	$1,895	$3,600
Advanced Underground Distribution Systems, May 8-9	$995	$1,900	$1,095	$2,000
Leadership Training/Certificate Program*
Leadership Essentials Certificate Program, May 5-8	$2,900	$5,800	$3,000	$5,900
*The certificate registration fee includes everything you need to participate in and graduate from the program: registration for the in-person courses, program enrollment fee, materials, post-course project review, and graduation plaque.

Group Registration Discounts

Save money on each registration when your organization registers five or more people for the same class. The larger your group, the more you save! Registrations must be submitted on the same order (at the same time) to qualify for the group discount; discounts cannot be retroactively applied to previous orders. If you need assistance, contact Registration@PublicPower.org.

Number of registrants	Class Discount (per person)
1-4	n/a
5-9	$50
10-14	$100
15-24	$150
25+	$200

Cancellations/No-Show/Refunds/Substitutions

Registrants who cancel in writing on or before April 28, 2025, are entitled to a refund of their registration fee, minus a $100 cancellation fee. Registrants who cancel after April 28 will not receive a refund, but attendee substitutions will be allowed. Registrants and no-shows who do not cancel by April 28 are responsible for the full registration fee and are not entitled to a refund. If APPA cancels a course, you will receive a full refund.

Cancellation requests should be made through your My.PublicPower portal, or addressed to: Registration@PublicPower.org or by emailing Registration@PublicPower.org.
For more information regarding refund, complaints and program cancellation policies, please contact EducationInfo@PublicPower.org.

Travel Arrangements/Hotel Parking

Travel arrangements and costs associated with hotel parking are the responsibility of the participants. APPA will not reimburse for changes in travel expenditures regardless of the cause.

Meals

A light breakfast, afternoon snack, and beverage breaks are included in the registration fee. All other meals are on your own.

Internet Access

WiFi may only be available in hotel common areas (sleeping rooms and hotel lobby), though may not be available in APPA meeting rooms. Please make arrangements to use cellular data on your device or bring a MiFi or Internet hotspot for personal use. APPA will not provide a password for WiFi.

Name Badges

Name badges can be picked up at the APPA registration desk at the hotel starting at 7:30 a.m.

Code of Conduct

Participants agree to abide by the APPA Code of Conduct. If participants engage in unacceptable behavior as outlined in the code, APPA may take any action it deems appropriate, including but not limited to, expulsion from the current and future meetings, with no warning or refund.

Contact Us

Registration: Registration@PublicPower.org
Hotel: Meetings@PublicPower.org
Program/Content: EducationInfo@PublicPower.org
Billing: Finance@PublicPower.org

Hotel

Hotel Information

The 2025 Spring Education Institute will take place at the:

Hyatt Regency Orlando
9801 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819

Reservations

Phone: (402) 593-5048 (reservations); (407) 284-1234 (main hotel line)
Group Rate: $239 (Single/Double) per night (plus State and Local Taxes)
Room Rate Cut-off Date: April 14
Online Reservation Link
Group Code: G-APPA

Logistics

Check-in: 4 p.m.; Check-out: 11 p.m.
Valet Parking: Valet Parking $50/overnight; Self-Parking $35/overnight

Please note: It is possible that the block of rooms could sell out prior to April 14, so make your hotel reservations early.

Reservations & Cancellations

Please contact the hotel directly to reserve and manage your reservation. If you need assistance making reservations, contact Meetings@PublicPower.org.

Internet Access

WiFi may only be available in hotel common areas (sleeping rooms and hotel lobby) and will not be available in meet¬ing rooms. Please make arrangements to use cellular data on your device or bring a MiFi or Internet hotspot for personal use. APPA will not provide a password for WiFi.

Location

All courses will be held in the Hyatt Regency Orlando. The hotel is located about 13 miles from the Orlando International Airport (MCO). Please contact the hotel for transportation options.

Travel Arrangements/Hotel Parking

Travel arrangements and costs associated with hotel parking are the responsibility of the participants. APPA will not reimburse for changes in travel expenditures regardless of the cause.

Accreditation

Earn While You Learn!

Participate in APPA programs to earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs), Professional Development Hours (PDHs) and Continuing Professional Education credits (CPEs).

What educational credits are available?

You can earn the following kinds of continuing education credits for attending live virtual and in-person sessions—provided the following requirements are met:

Requirements for Successful Completion: In-Person

Attendees must sign in each day, attend (and participate) in the entire course and complete an evaluation form at the end of class
Partial credit cannot be given for partial attendance
Attendance is monitored by an APPA staff member and the instructor
Completion certificates will be added within 4 weeks to member profiles on the APPA website (for those who meet the requirements)

Continuing Education Units (CEUs): The American Public Power Association is accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and is authorized to issue the IACET CEU. For information regarding certification status, attendance requirements and obtaining attendee transcripts, contact EducationInfo@PublicPower.org or 202-467-2965. Verify our IACET Accreditation.

CPE logo Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Credits: The American Public Power Association is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.NASBAregistry.com. Unless noted, there are no prerequisites for the courses offered and no advance preparation is required. Courses are group-internet based offerings at the basic program level (unless otherwise noted). Credit hours and areas of study for the courses are listed on the individual course pages. For more information regarding administrative policies, such as clarification of requirements, complaints, and refunds, please contact EducationInfo@PublicPower.org.

Professional Development Hours (PDHs): The American Public Power Association’s educational practices are consistent with the criteria for awarding Professional Development Hours (PDHs) as established by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). Course eligibility and number of PDHs may vary by state.

Questions?

Schedule/Content/Accreditation: EducationInfo@PublicPower.org

Additional Information

What to Bring

If you are enrolled in one of the following courses, please note the items to bring with you. If your course is not listed, you do not have to bring anything.

Advanced Public Utility Accounting
- Encouraged to bring: A copy of your annual financial statement. Instructors will answer your questions on presentation and application of accounting policies and practices.
Cost of Service Workshop
- Required to bring: A laptop with Excel and PowerPoint, to work through in-class exercises.
Best Practices in Overhead Distribution Line Design:
- Required to bring: A scientific calculator or smart phone calculator app
- Required to bring: A print copy (or have access to a digital copy) of the 2023 National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) to reference during class
- Encouraged to bring: Interesting underground distribution photos as well as their underground distribution design guides and standards to share

Class Start/End Times

	Monday May 5	Tuesday May 6	Wednesday May 7	Thursday May 8	Friday May 9
Accounting
Public Utility Accounting	8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.	8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Electric Work Order & Fixed Asset Accounting			8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Advanced Public Utility Accounting				8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.	8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Cost of Service & Rate Design
Basic Cost of Service & Key Financial Concepts	8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Strategic Rate Design: Trends and Distributed Generation Impacts		8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Cost of Service Workshop: Implementation and Applications			8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.	8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Underground Distribution
Underground Distribution Systems	8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.	8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.	8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Advanced Underground Distribution Systems				8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.	8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Leadership Certificate
Leadership Essentials Certificate Program	8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.	8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.	8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.	8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Registration/Name Badges

Name badges can be picked up at the APPA registration desk at the hotel starting at 7:30 a.m.

Meals

Breakfast, beverage breaks, and a light afternoon snack are included in the registration fee. All other meals are on your own.

Dress Code

The attire for the Institute ranges from business casual to casual—whatever you're comfortable in. Meeting room temperatures vary, so prepare to dress for cool conditions.

Travel Arrangements/Hotel Parking

Travel arrangements and costs associated with hotel parking are the responsibility of the participants. APPA will not reimburse for changes in travel expenditures regardless of the cause.