Leading with Respect for Local Elected Officials
- Chapel Hill, NCApril 22, 2026

This course will be held in-person at UNC School of Government, Knapp-Sanders Building from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Building and sustaining mutual respect is a hallmark of an influential leader and a fundamental tool to help you serve and support your community. How can elected officials feel and convey genuine respect for their fellow board members, staff, and citizens – especially in the face of contentious public issues or profound ideological differences? Do you have to agree with someone’s viewpoint in order to show them respect? Is respectful disagreement possible? How do we get there?
This practical workshop will help elected officials learn to navigate the rich terrain of differing opinions to build productive relationships with others on their boards and in their communities. Participants will:
· Explore the meaning and layers of respect
· Recognize the power that derives from conveying genuine respect for others
· Practice communicating respect across differences
· Strengthen unique strategies for exacting respectful treatment from others.
This workshop is designed for any local elected official seeking to expand their leadership skills and sphere of influence in their community. Leaders will explore useful tools, practice specific skills, and learn to navigate the often-contradictory demands of leading with respect.
This is a 201 level course in the Local Elected Leaders Academy. Elected official participants will earn 6 recognition credits towards their Master certification.
The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners provides cost offsets for county elected officials to attend LELA courses. For information on this discount please click the link below.
- Chapel Hill, NCApril 22UNC School of Government | Knapp-Sanders Building
400 South Road
Chapel Hill, NC 27514View Scholarship InformationThe North Carolina Association of County Commissioners provides cost offsets for county elected officials to attend LELA courses. For information on this discount please click the link below.
View Cancellation PolicyCourse participants who cancel their registration on or before April 14, 2026 will receive a full refund. No refund will be made for cancellations on or after April 15, 2026, but you will receive a transferrable credit to be used within 12 months. Click here to view the School’s full cancellation and refund policy.View Additional InformationSchool of Government Knapp-Sanders Building | Room 2401
30$225.00Registration and payment for this course grants access for a single attendee. In order to register a group of attendees, please register each person individually. If you have questions, please contact our registration office at registration@sog.unc.edu or 919.966.4414.