MGLA Deep Dives

What are MGLA Deep Dives? 

Deep Dives are extended learning experiences that begin with 1-day, in-person course focused on an in-depth exploration of a single, high-impact topic relevant to local government leadership. This is followed by a month of practical application in the workplace and concludes with a 2–3-hour virtual session designed to promote accountability, reflection, and continued learning through scaffolded instruction. 

Deep Dives blend deep subject matter expertise with real-world practice, ensuring participants can apply new skills effectively in their roles. 

Topics rotate approximately every six months, with future offerings determined by participant demand and emerging needs. They provide targeted, impactful development opportunities for Montana’s local government professionals. 

Who should participate? 

Deep Dives are designed for both seasoned local government supervisors and emerging leaders who seek specialized expertise. Whether refining advanced skills or exploring new leadership challenges, participants will gain practical strategies and deep insights they can immediately apply in their real-world work environments. Deep Dives provide the knowledge and tools leaders need to address complex issues, enhance their effectiveness, and better serve Montana communities. 

What will participants gain? 

Each Deep Dive is designed to benefit both local government employees and Montana communities. By engaging in focused, in-depth learning and applying new skills directly in the workplace, local government supervisors can enhance their expertise, solve complex challenges, and increase their confidence as leaders. This investment strengthens local government performance, supports employee growth, improves service, and fosters trust within Montana communities. 

Depending on the Deep Dive, participants can expect to enhance their skills in: 

• Navigating and mediating conflict 

• Adapting communication styles to connect with others 

• Developing employees 

• Leading through change 

• Planning community vision, strategic initiatives, and budgets 

What is the time commitment?  

Deep Dives require a commitment of one full day for in-person learning, followed by a month of applying new skills in the workplace. Participants then join a 2–3-hour virtual session to reflect on experiences, share insights, and solidify learning. 

What is the cost and how many people will participate? 

Each Deep Dive is $395 per person for the full program, which includes the in-person training day, one month of practical application, and the virtual follow-up session.  

Participants who have previously completed Real Colors Foundations may choose to attend only the advanced afternoon session and the virtual follow-up of a Real Colors Deep Dive for $275.  

Workshops must include at least 15 participants, which encourages participant interaction among a variety of departments and local governments in the area.  

The registration fee includes access to the trainings, all applicable materials, lunch, and light refreshments.  

Current Deep Dive Offerings 

Dive into Conflict 

“Dive into Conflict” equips local government supervisors with essential knowledge and practical tools to understand, navigate, and manage conflict effectively within the local government workplace. 

"Dive into Conflict” participants will: 

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of conflict in the local government workplace, including its sources, dynamics, and the influence of individual conflict styles, emotions, and communication patterns 

• Build practical skills and strategies to employ while navigating and mediating conflict 

• Gain practical tools and methods to foster psychological safety and a positive team culture within local government systems 

“Dive into Conflict” is available through June 2026. 

Dive into Real Colors Applications 

“Dive into Real Colors Applications” empowers leaders to apply Real Colors insights to enhance communication, understand diverse personality styles, and navigate challenging conversations effectively within the local government context. 

“Dive into Real Colors Applications” participants will:  

• Examine how people with different temperaments listen, understand, and respond to verbal communication 

• Look at how their secondary color influences their overall personality style 

• Discover approaches that match personal temperament strengths to further local government mission and values 

• Begin using Real Colors to successfully navigate difficult conversations 

• Apply Real Colors concepts in future communication 

"Dive into Real Colors Applications” is available through June 2026. 

Participant Information 

Program Preparation and Pre-work 

1. Complete the registration form (linked above)
2. Submit payment for registration through the MSU payment portal (link)

Cancellation Policy 

Participant cancellation requests must be emailed to Christine Hodges at (christine.hodges1@montana.edu). 

Full refunds are available if cancellation requests are received at least 7 business days prior to the event. 

Partial refunds (registration fee minus venue and meal expenses) are available if requests are received at least 3 business days before the event.  

No refunds will be given for cancellations made less than 24 hours before the event starts. 

Future Deep Dives 

Currently in development, future Deep Dive topics will include: 

• Navigating and mediating conflict 

• Adapting communication styles to connect with others 

• Developing employees 

• Leading through change 

• Planning community vision, strategic initiatives, and budgets 

Have an idea for a Deep Dive topic? Email Christine Hodges at christine.hodges1@montana.edu to share your suggestion and explain how it could benefit Montana’s local governments. 

Annual MGLA Deep Dives Schedule  

• August 26, 2025; virtual follow-up September 23, 2025 - Kalispell, Dive into Real Colors Applications 

• August 28, 2025; virtual follow-up September 25, 2025- Glacier County, Dive into Real Colors Applications 

• November 13, 2025; virtual follow-up December 10, 2025 - Colstrip, Dive into Real Colors Applications 

• December 3, 2025; virtual follow-up January 8, 2026 - Bozeman, Dive into Conflict  

• December 4, 2025; virtual follow-up January 9, 2025: 12/4 - Bozeman, Dive into Real Colors Applications 

• January 13, 2026; virtual follow-up February 10, 2026 - Red Lodge, Dive into Real Colors Applications 

• February 24, 2026; virtual follow-up March 24, 2026 - Great Falls, Dive into Conflict  

• March 11, 2026; virtual follow-up April 8, 2026 - Big Timber or Harlowton, Dive into Conflict 

• March 12, 2026; virtual follow-up April 9, 2026 - Big Timber or Harlowton, Dive into Real Colors Applications 

• April 14, 2026; virtual follow-up May 19, 2026 - Sidney, Dive into Conflict 

• May 12, 2026; virtual follow-up June 9, 2026 - Missoula, Dive into Conflict 

Meet Your Instructor 

Christine Hodges, Lead Facilitator 

Christine Hodges joined the Local Government Center in March 2025, where she evaluates the Montana Grown Leadership Academy (MGLA) programs and facilitates instruction for both the Foundation Series and Deep Dive courses. An educator at heart, Christine earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Montana (2010) and a Master of Arts in Literacy K–12 from Benedictine University (2015). She is currently pursuing a PhD in Leadership Studies at Gonzaga University. Before joining the Center, she served as the Curriculum & Communications Specialist for Montana 4-H and spent ten years teaching, leading teams, and developing curriculum at schools across North and South America. Outside of work, you can find Christine running trails, skiing slopes, or climbing crags. 

Questions 

Reach out to Christine Hodges (christine.hodges1@montana.edu) with any questions about the Foundation Series program.