MMA to host VMLA webinar series on emotional intelligence

Last fall, the MMA launched its Virtual Municipal Leadership Academy webinar series to help promote professional development among municipal officials. The program’s three-part pilot, exploring effective communication and feedback, was led by Cally Ritter, principal of Positive Ripple Training and Consulting. (Recordings of this fall 2023 series are still available for purchase.)

The program’s next series, to be held in February, will also be led by Ritter, a highly regarded municipal trainer who has spent more than 25 years as a leadership development facilitator and employee assistance program consultant.

The series will focus on emotional intelligence, which is the ability to manage your own emotions while understanding the emotions of the people around you. Improving this skill, Ritter says, will help you deliver top-notch municipal services and excellent customer service, while fostering strong internal relationships.

Sessions will include:
• Emotional Intelligence 101: Understanding the Key Components
Wednesday, Feb. 7, 12:30-1:45 p.m.
Emotional intelligence isn’t static — it can be strengthened, like a muscle. This webinar will explore the five components of EI (self-awareness, self-management, motivation, social skills, and empathy), and attendees will engage in several exercises designed to strengthen their “EI muscle.”

• Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: The Customer Connectors
Wednesday, Feb. 14, 12:30-1:45 p.m.
Emotional intelligence can shift interactions with residents from defeating to rewarding. This webinar will discuss how to leverage emotional intelligence to meet customer needs, defuse public anger, and disarm demeaning behavior. Attendees will also learn how active listening can build rapport and bolster the ability to express empathy.

• Tackling Tough Conversations with Emotional Intelligence
Tuesday, Feb. 27, 12:30-1:45 p.m.
Emotional intelligence can help keep you grounded during a tough conversation. This webinar will share strategies for delivering difficult feedback, setting boundaries by saying “no,” and handling instances where you may disappoint others. Attendees will also explore how to use emotional intelligence to regulate emotions and diffuse negativity.

Appointed and elected officials are invited to register now for the EI webinars. Each webinar costs $45, or the series may be purchased for a reduced rate of $120.

Attendees will be sent the Zoom information once registration closes at noon the day before each webinar. Any cancellation requests must be received by email at least one week in advance to receive a refund. Please note that your registration fee also provides access to the webinar recording on MMA On-Demand.

MMA On-Demand is a sortable and searchable library with a collection of archived webinars. Members have the ability to save relevant training content for later viewing, browse “101” bundles, and purchase premium content.

For more information, contact MMA Education and Training Coordinator Lily Rancatore at lrancatore@mma.org.