Monday, August 8, 2022 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Rhonda Flegel, Director, McLean County 911
Ms. Flegel began this session with a very brief biography, sharing that she was promoted to director only three short months ago. Then she jumped right in to the course topic by summarizing the objectives for the course. She reminded the audience to embrace their strength and weaknesses, encouraged us to set boundaries, exposed us to the changes that a “title” can bring, instructed us to develop and maintain relationships with our people and to always remember the importance of a relationship.
Ms. Flegel gave the class insight into being friends versus being friendly. She focused on building professional relationships while also maintaining the relatable aspects of yourself. The class was advised to make time to do daily checks with the on floor telecommunicators, to be consistent with all shifts and to have one on one meetings. She gave examples of relatability as knowing someone’s birthday, knowing if their wife just had a baby or knowing which sports team is their favorite. She stated “You can’t expect a person to share their concerns if that person feels like you don’t even know them.”
Another debatable topic discussed in this session was having an open door policy. The presenter advocated for it, arguing that having the policy allows more communication in the communications center. She wants her center to feel like they can come to her for anything. At the end of the session, during open discussion, several attendees asked her advice on following chain of command while also allowing an open door policy. Mrs. Flegel went more in depth discussing certain topics that she directs back to the supervisors. She clarified that she actively listens to the concern, discusses and comes up with a solution, and then refers the person back to their immediate supervisor to discuss the possibility of implementation.
Regardless of the opinions on open door policy, this class was an excellent booster to remind all leaders that the title doesn’t change who we are as a person. It was an uplifting assurance that even as leaders we are all still part of the same team!
By Kelly Chame
