- For Individuals
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For State/Local Government
- Certified Public Manager Program for Child Welfare Specialists
- Institute for Public Service Leadership Academy
- Local Government Leadership Program
- Tennessee Government Executive Institute
- Tennessee Government Management Institute
- Tennessee Government Professionals Institute
- Tennessee Legislative Leaders Academy
- About Us
About the Naifeh Center
Who We Are
The Naifeh Center for Effective Leadership is an agency of the University of Tennessee Institute for Public Service. We proudly bear the name of Jimmy Naifeh, who served as the Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives from 1991 to 2009. He is the longest-serving speaker to date.
We work to make Tennessee a better place by offering leadership training, coaching and development to individuals, teams, and state and local government employees.
Our work is based on the Lominger competency model, which was developed by renowned experts in management and executive development. The competency model shares 67 skills that have been identified as crucial to successful leaders.
As you look through our website, you’ll find courses developed from this list of skills. The list below will give you a better idea of what’s available. We also offer leadership and behavioral assessments, such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Assessment, among others.
Our Services
- Behavioral assessments
- Executive coaching
- Customer service
- Customized training
- Ethics
- Managing across generations
- Meeting planning and facilitation
- Negotiation and conflict management
- Organizational development
- Public management
- Sustainability in leadership
- Team building
- And more!
“We need to be working for the next generation and not the next election.”
- Speaker Jimmy Naifeh
Jimmy Naifeh grew up a son of Lebanese immigrants, and his father taught him the value of caring for those around him. After serving two years of active duty in the U.S. Army, he felt called to give back to his community.
He ran for legislative office in 1972 and lost by just 13 votes. He ran successfully in 1974 and began his 35-year career in the Tennessee House of Representatives. His goal was to help others improve their quality of life. Naifeh worked successfully with colleagues and legislators toward the common goal of making Tennessee a better place.
At the Naifeh Center, we align our efforts with Speaker Naifeh’s legislative legacy by working across the state to make Tennessee stronger.