Generously Sponsored by: 
“Plant Your People!”
Leadership Development Program
Intended for both emerging and existing leaders in the Green Industry, this 4-part customized training program led by John Kennedy will address the common elements of effective leadership. Individuals in the program will also receive access to an online collection of training programs included with their enrollment. This is a hybrid program, with 2 sessions held virtually and 2 taking place in person.
MNLA is pleased to offer this program at NO CHARGE to current member firms, however capacity is limited to 1 individual per firm, and an application is required. There is a mandatory attendance component to receive the certificate of completion.
Schedule:
-
September 18, 2025 • 1:00-3:30pm • Lansing, MI
Module 1: “Developing the Leader Within You”
Enrollees will learn the distinct difference between management and leadership, determine the top 3 qualities of effective leadership, engage in open discussions of the “Good to Great” leadership model, and, finally, establish “leadership standards” moving forward. -
November 13, 2025 • 1:00-3:30pm • Virtual
Module 2: “Communication is the Key to Leadership”
Enrollees will learn how to “Start with Why” in every communication strategy, understand the biases and beliefs that often cloud our ability to effectively communicate, balance the 2-way communication model of speaking and listening to improve our “personal connection” and “seek first to understand, then to be understood”. -
December 18, 2025 • 1:00-3:30pm • Virtual
Module 3: “Building a World-Class Team”
Employees will discover the 4 stages of building a team along with the 4 styles of people that exist within a team. They will also learn how to transform a group of people who can’t resolve conflict without management intervention to a team of employees who function as a solid and unified force, capable of decision-making and problem-solving with minimum leadership engagement. -
January 2026 at the Great Lakes Trade Expo
Module 4: “Creating New Leaders to Deepen Our Bench”
One of the most important questions a leaders can ask is “if not you, then who?” Who will own the role in the absence of leadership? Who trains the next generation of leaders as we build the current generation of leaders? The answer is simple..leaders build new leaders! The enrollees will focus on “planting your people” to grow into the role of the next leaders.
Speaker: John Kennedy is a speaker and author specializing in strategic planning, benchmarking,
culture creation, on-boarding, retention processes, leadership development and teamwork,
and accelerating sales within the horticulture industry. Over the past 25 years, Kennedy has
presented to nearly 500,000 audience members worldwide, delivering a dramatic and
sustainable impact on many companies and associations within the horticulture industry.
Pricing: MNLA is pleased to offer the Elite Training Program at No Charge to current member firms. Please contact Emily for Non-Member pricing.