The last couple of years I have had the opportunity to present a five-day seminar to new JOB Corps students at Butler County Community College.

Generally there are approximately 40 to 45 students, ages 18 to 24, in attendance. Personally, it has been a very rewarding experience working with these students who, many times, do not have a focused vision of their career goals and are apprehensive about succeeding in an academic setting.

Topics include communication, conflict and negotiation, and maintaining a positive attitude. I generally reserve the afternoon of the last day for a guest speaker — someone who can reinforce positive employment habits and add credibility to working toward a successful career.

Each year it becomes a challenge to find either business or community leaders willing to take time from their busy schedule to speak with 40 to 45 atypical students entering college. Let’s face it: Accepting this speaking engagement is not going to result in tons of publicity or community recognition.

This year I decided to reach for the sky and ask Ken DeFurio, president and chief executive officer of the Butler Health System, to speak. Keep in mind that I telephoned and spoke with his administrative assistant on Aug. 10 to ask him to speak on Aug. 12.

Realistically, I thought this was a shot-in-the-dark, but because many of the JOB Corps students were entering the health professions and the others were entering fields employable by a large health organization, I knew DeFurio’s presence would be a boost for the students.

DeFurio’s administrative assistant returned my call the next day and stated that DeFurio would be happy to address the students.

At first, I really couldn’t believe it. Here was one of the most important leaders in our community willing to give time to students just beginning their careers.

When DeFurio arrived, the students were wide-eyed with anticipation and very appreciative of his willingness to answer questions, give advice and just chat like a normal person with them.

His presentation covered the five C’s of leadership: character, charisma, commitment, communication and competence. In covering each point, DeFurio also included leadership comments: maintaining a positive attitude, building relationships, self-discipline, and the importance of generosity and servant leadership.

After he left, the students were buzzing with eagerness to relate comments to me. One young lady stated her mother worked at the hospital for many years and told her DeFurio was a very personable leader; now she would be able to tell her mom how right she was. Others were surprised that he seemed genuinely eager to be there and spend time talking with them.

There are many more positive comments I could relate, but the most important thing about DeFurio’s presence was just that, his presence. What a great personal example from a leader who talks about servant leadership and actually “walks the talk.”

Published on Aug. 17, 2011.