The CISA has created a Vision for the organization in 2038. The Vision states that “We are LEADERS in the profession of ski instruction……” Our logo says “LEADERS in ski teaching”. Every time our members put on their ski school uniform or our course conductors put on their course conductor uniform, we take on a leadership role.
What makes you a great leader? Is it really the uniform, is it a trait you have naturally or is it something you have been formally trained in?
The CSIA is an organization that has perfected our understanding of both Technique and Methodology. An area we have been developing in the more recent history is Guest Service. The addition of our Three Thirds Guest Experience has resulted in International acclaim. An area of Guest Service relatively unexplored to date is Leadership. Your ability as an instructor or course conductor to lead a lesson, session or certification course is an area of expertise we can all develop.
Leadership is a massive umbrella term covering topics such as Dynamics of Change, Knowing Yourself, Establishing a Learning Contract, Understanding Learning Styles, Communication, Understanding Group Dynamics, Decision Making, Resolving Conflict, Feedback, Debriefing and Taking Charge of Your Own Development.
This fall, the CSIA has embarked on a project to introduce Leadership training to our course conductors. Taking a realistic approach, we have decided to prioritize the above topics and create a learning opportunity this season in the following areas: Knowing yourself, Defining Leadership, Group Dynamics and Establishing a Learning Contract.
Our first Level 4 Indoor Course Conductor Training took place on November 7th at Horseshoe Valley. Over 30 course conductors took the Leadership Training and comments on the content were excellent. Over the next few seasons, course conductors will be receiving training in all of the topics listed above, this will filter through our system to all members through courses, PDP, modules and conventions bringing our Vision and our logo to reality!
Warren Jobbit
Western Program Director
