WLI Final Projects

Each year the final project is a major part of the Water Leadership Institute.  For the last few years, the cohort is divided into nine groups to work on different aspects of leadership.  Each group consists of people working in different states/countries as well as types of jobs in the water industry.

Some have done webcasts, created training material/games, and even youtube videos.  While the live dates have passed, you can still access all the information and register for free to get them.  Learn more below and click on each underlined title to learn more and register.

WLI24 Intersection of Leadership and Communication of 12 Water Challenges Series

As part of their final project, the Water Leadership Institute (WLI) 2024 cohorts have developed four-part webcast series on The Intersection of Leadership and Communication of 12 Water Challenges.

• Webcast 1:  Innovation, Climate Change, Contaminants, Oh My! Effective Tools for Leading and Communicating in the World of Water
• Webcast 2:  Unlocking Funding: Effective Communication for Solving Water Issues!
• Webcast 3:  Beyond the Surface of Water: A discussion on Environmental Injustices, Decline in Fresh Water Availability, and Increasing Public Awareness
• Webcast 4:  It’s Not All Impossible, Right? Daunting Challenges for the Future of Water and Wastewater

WLI23 Overcoming Today's Workforce Challenges Series

The WLI23 cohort developed a three-part webcast series on Overcoming Today's Workforce Challenges and Preparing for the Future. The leaders in our water industry are facing more unique challenges today than they ever have in the past. Noting the changes in our workforce, world impacts from COVID, the rapid growth of technology, and the increased complexity in our water challenges.  Join us as we delve into several thought-provoking topics.

• Navigating Recruitment, Awareness, and Leading a Multi-Generational Workforce
• Retaining Talent, Combating Quiet Quitting, and Fostering Collaboration 
• The Importance of Filling the Knowledge Gap, Collaborative Decision Making, and Culture & Advocacy 

WLI22 Authentic Leadership Series

The WLI22 cohort developed three webcasts and training materials for each of the nine tenets of Authentic Leadership: Communication, Connection, Recognize & Appreciate, Trust, Emotional Intelligence, Being a Catalyst, Being a Mentor, Empowerment, and Walking the Talk. Register to access recordings and training documents.  Also, watch out for columns on each of the tenets in the WE&T in 2023.

• Build a Foundation: Communicate, Connect, and Recognize & Appreciate
• Achieve Results: Foster Trust, Increase your Emotional Intelligence, and be a Catalyst
• Be the Difference: Mentor, Empower, and Walk the Talk

WLI21 Change Leadership Series

As part of their final project, the WLI21 cohort developed a YouTube series focusing on different aspects of Change Leadership in the water sector where each group focused on a single area of excellence.  Created in TED-Talk style, each group created two videos expanding on each of the nine topics.  All eighteen videos have been released and are linked below.  You can still register to watch the roundtable discussions which delve into the topics further.

Change Leadership YouTube Series

WLI20 Community Outreach Series

As part of their final project, the WLI20 cohort developed a five-part webcast series focusing on different aspects of the water industry and developed outreach activities for different age groups that you can use in your own community.  Join us for part or all of the series to learn how to better connect with your community and bring in the next generation of water professionals.

This series has information and outreach activities on the following topics.  Register for each to access the recording and outreach activities.

• Aging Infrastructure
• Public Education
• Aging Workforce
• Public Awareness
• One Water