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 from the Fall 2023 series are still available for purchase. Ritter is a highly regarded municipal trainer who has spent more than 25 years as a leadership development facilitator and employee assistance program consultant.
The program’s next series, to be held in February and also led by Ritter, 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 Completed.
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). Attendees will engage in several exercises designed to strengthen their “EI muscle.”
• Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: The Customer Connectors Completed.
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.
The registration fee for each webinar is $45, or the series may be purchased for a reduced rate of $120. All participants must register individually. Upon registering, you will receive an automated confirmation email. This email will not contain the Zoom access information. Attendees will be sent the Zoom information once registration closes at noon the day before each webinar.
All cancellation requests must be received via 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.
Redistribution of the webinar’s Zoom link or recording to individuals other than the purchaser is not permitted. Attendees without documentation of registration will be removed. Thank you for your cooperation. For more information, contact MMA Education and Training Coordinator Lily Rancatore at [email protected].
If you are registering for one or two webinars (not the full bundle), you must select which webinar(s) you'd like to attend. Select your registration type, then click the drop-down arrow for your desired session(s) and click “Add.” A yellow "In Itinerary" flag will be displayed. After adding the session(s), proceed to checkout. If you encounter any issues, contact [email protected].
Checks Payable
Please make checks payable to:
Massachusetts Municipal Association
3 Center Plaza
Suite 610
Boston, MA 02108