Communications Center Manager course molds leaders
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Kris Berg
(800) 960-6236 ext. 116
kris.berg@emergencydispatch.org
The Communications Center Manager (CCM) Course isn’t about getting comfortable in your role.
That’s about as far away as you can get from describing CCM, according to Jay Fitch, president, Fitch & Associates, and co-sponsor of the course.
“Are you comfortable being named the leader of your organization?” he asked as an introductory to CCM graduation ceremonies held during the Navigator conference, which took place April 18–20 in Baltimore, Md. “I hope not unless you have others following. That’s the true test. Never become so comfortable that you don’t stand up for others.”
The CCM course, sponsored by the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch® (NAED™) and Fitch & Associates, combines online studies and onsite classroom time to help aspiring, new, or experienced managers further develop skills tailored to the 9-1-1 communications center environment.
Fitch describes CCM as an accelerated program designed for maximum impact in a short time frame. It focuses on multiple principles essential to the art of successful leadership as they apply to the communications center, including people, quality, service, finance, and growth.
The small group settings promoted during the two non-successive weeks onsite are organized according to interests and personality. The time online promotes the exchange of information and ideas that goes on long after the formal course ends. Everyone contributes to the creation of a sustained learning environment.
“CCM allows people to go through the self-discovery process from a curriculum and staff that take them into the future,” Fitch said. “The men and women honored today worked hard to get here.”
The learning experience does not happen in isolation. Camaraderie develops through an emphasis on teamwork and constant contact. The Class of 2011 representative Monica Million said the course is about doing what’s right for your communications center.
“CCM builds relationships among forward-thinking individuals,” said Million, who received the inaugural David M. Connolly CCM Leadership Award. “It’s about networking and sharing what kind of leader you aspire to be.”
Connolly was presented the CCM Leadership Award for the Class of 2007. He died unexpectedly on Oct. 2, 2011.
The 2012 online session begins Aug. 27. Onsite weeks are Sept. 23-28 and Dec. 2-7. For more information about registration for CCM 2012, contact Sharon Conroy, Fitch & Associates, at (816) 431-2600 or sconroy@fitchassoc.com.
