The 1^st of May marked the awaited beginning of the 3^rd project period, thus a brief summary of the successful 2^nd period is presented.

It is with eagerness and enthusiasm that we enter the third period of project Open Leadership, implemented by Euroregion “Country of Lakes” and Latgale Planning Region. Let us appreciate a list of achievements by succinctly summarizing the productive second period (ended on April 30, 2018) of the project:

• During the continuous training cycle “Inspiring leadership and effective management of the organization” in seven municipalities of the Country of Lakes, a total of 22 days (each day for 8 hours of training) were devoted to strengthening the competence of the staff of municipal administrations and their subordinate institutions. The training used LEAN methodology on various topics: leadership and management, conflict resolution, effective team work, annual performance evaluation, operational management and implementation of LEAN.
• 32 hours were spent for tourism and culture working groups in municipalities. Also, the first two regional meetings of the working groups were organized for the highest municipal leaders (mayors, vice mayors, or other representatives) and the leaders of tourism information centres. The aim is to strengthen the tourism and cultural sectors by developing cooperation throughout the region, and further internationally, together with the partners in Latvia.
• Individual consultations on various management, leadership, problem-solving issues were held, taking into account personal needs in different municipalities. Of course, the consultants relied on the principles of LEAN and spent 27 hours during this period.
• In January, the second periodic project partner meeting was held, during which the project progress, problems, best practices and planned future activities were discussed.
• 8 hours were spent for the training “Image building of organizations, available tools” for local municipalities of Latgale Planning Region, where the main focus was on elements and tools used in image building process as well as on assessment of the goals local municipalities have settled and steps which could lead to accomplish it in the context of LEAN.
• More than 40 representatives of local municipalities of Latgale Planning Region participated in 2-days regional practical conference “Innovative organization: focus on the quality of services. Who are our customers and what are their needs? Effective processes of change. Case studies of good practices.” It was a great tool of motivation for participants, first of all, to evaluate the current situation, and what’s more – get acquainted with LEAN methodology, its benefits and ways of implementation into daily routine. It was the great lecturer John R.Adler and his experience in providing LEAN tools for local municipalities what participants evaluated the most.

All of this is just a small part of the coming wave of changes. In the third period, not only will we continue the activities mentioned above, but also a implement many new activities: various training activities will be held on new, important topics both in Latvia and Lithuania, regional conference will be organized in Lithuania, representatives of Latvian municipalities shall visit the Lithuanian municipalities to exchange good practices, international working groups for tourism and culture will meet in both countries, and many more activities are to come. In this way, we will develop an open, modern and effective leadership and long-term cooperation between the regions of Latvia and Lithuania.

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This project is funded by the European Union. The Interreg V-A Latvia – Lithuania Cross Border Cooperation Programme 2014-2020 aims to contribute to the sustainable and cohesive socio-economic development of the Programme regions by helping to make them competitive and attractive for living, working and visiting.

This article has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The contents of this article are the sole responsibility of Euroregion “Country of Lakes” Office in Lithuania and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union.

 Information prepared by:
Euroregion “Country of Lakes” Office in Lithuania and Latgale Planning Region