The DC Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) recognized the need to enhance the leadership capabilities of its staff to effectively manage the dynamic and complex challenges within the behavioral health landscape. With increasing demands for integrated care, the adoption of new technologies, and the ongoing battle against substance abuse and mental health disparities, DBH sought to equip its leaders with the skills necessary to thrive in this ever-changing environment. The challenge was to provide a training experience that not only imparted knowledge but also inspired action and sustained leadership in the face of these challenges.

DBH is responsible for delivering a wide range of mental health and substance use disorder services to residents of Washington, DC. In June 2019, DBH organized the Behavioral Health Recovery Conference, aimed at building a resilient and thriving community. The conference brought together practitioners, leaders, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for improving behavioral health outcomes across the District. As part of this conference, DBH engaged Symphonic Strategies to deliver a keynote address and facilitate a workshop designed to enhance leadership skills tailored for the complexities of the behavioral health sector.

Symphonic Strategies was tasked with delivering a keynote address and an interactive workshop at the DBH Behavioral Health Recovery Conference. Our approach was designed to be both informative and transformative, helping participants navigate the challenges of leadership in a rapidly evolving field. The keynote focused on thriving in the midst of change, while the workshop provided practical tools for expanding influence and leading cross-sector partnerships.

The engagement unfolded through the following key steps:

1. Pre-Event Planning and Customization: We worked closely with DBH and 7 Pointe Planning, the event organizer, to customize the content of the keynote and workshop. This involved understanding the specific needs and challenges faced by DBH leaders and tailoring the sessions to address these issues.

2. Keynote Address: Thriving in the Midst of Change: Delivered on June 5, 2019, at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Washington, DC, the keynote addressed the specialized skills required to lead in complex, dynamic environments. Dr. Alonford J. Robinson, Jr., CEO of Symphonic Strategies, shared actionable strategies for collaboration, sustaining partnerships, and avoiding common pitfalls in leadership. The keynote set the tone for the day, encouraging participants to embrace change as an opportunity for growth.

3. Interactive Workshop: Expanding Your Sphere of Influence: Following the keynote, we facilitated a workshop that focused on the practical aspects of multi-sector leadership. The session guided participants through the process of expanding their influence beyond traditional boundaries, particularly in collaborative environments where they must work with individuals and organizations outside of their direct control. The workshop included real-life scenarios, role-playing exercises, and discussions on how to navigate the complexities of cross-sector partnerships.

The keynote and workshop delivered by Symphonic Strategies had a profound impact on the participants at the DBH Behavioral Health Recovery Conference:

- Enhanced Leadership Capabilities: Participants gained new insights into how to lead effectively in complex environments, particularly in the context of behavioral health. The strategies shared during the keynote and workshop provided practical tools that leaders could immediately apply in their work.

- Increased Confidence in Managing Change: The sessions empowered DBH leaders to view change not as a challenge but as an opportunity to innovate and improve service delivery.

- Strengthened Cross-Sector Partnerships: The focus on expanding influence and building partnerships resonated with participants, many of whom reported feeling better equipped to collaborate with other sectors to achieve common goals.

The success of this engagement highlights the importance of tailored leadership development in sectors facing rapid change and complex challenges. By focusing on practical strategies for thriving in dynamic environments, Symphonic Strategies helped DBH leaders enhance their capacity to lead effectively and build stronger, more resilient communities.

Are you ready to empower your leaders to navigate change and drive results? Symphonic Strategies can help you develop and deliver training programs that inspire action and build lasting leadership. Contact us today to learn how we can support your leadership development needs.