Learn to communicate effectively in work, life with leadership skills

SAN FRANCISCO, September 3, 2003 -- Learn to use games and team activities that develop leadership skills during an Oct. 17 fund-raiser sponsored by San Francisco State University's Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies and the Pacific Leadership Institute. The fund-raiser is at 7 p.m. at Fort Mason Center's Landmark Building A. Tickets are available at the door for $25. For details, contact the Pacific Leadership Institute at (415) 405-3737 or visit www.pliprograms.org.

Built around the theme "Rethinking Leadership," the fund-raiser gives community leaders, students and outdoor enthusiasts a chance to network and learn leadership training as well as effective problem-solving techniques. Highlights of the night include demonstrations of "play games" such as "Switch, Change and Rotate" and "Zip, Zap, Zoe" which are used in Pacific Leadership Institute programs. The objective of these games is to promote an emotionally safe environment where players are encouraged to use positive communication techniques and work together as a team. These games emphasize cooperation rather than competition. For example, players are not eliminated and instead simply switch roles that they hold in each game.

The games will be introduced by Drew McAdams, program manager of the Pacific Leadership Institute, and Ezra Holland, lecturer of Recreation and Leisure Studies and director of the Pacific Leadership Institute.

"We want to incorporate the essential idea of playing games as part of growth. Games are not just for children," Holland said. "Playing builds confidence and we learn a lot by having fun."

Outdoor adventures such as kayak trips, sporting event tickets, leadership workshops and challenge courses along with artwork and fine wines will be among the items up for bid during a live and silent auction. Bay Area musicians will provide live entertainment.