The Excelsior Springs Thrive Leadership Academy began Oct. 9, bringing people together to learn about leadership and the systematic approach the community uses to make change and affect city improvement and growth. Systems leadership has developed over time and is a concept that incorporates an idea well-suited to community issues that can be solved with collective action. In other words, no single entity can control a single outcome; instead, several entities can work together to obtain change. Kim Halfhill, community coach, explained that a systems approach is when every aspect of one community shares information and works together rather than duplicate services to fill the gap where something is lacking. “It helps the community move forward faster and better,” said Excelsior Springs Hospital Treasurer Martha Buckman. “With this approach, the hospital, for example, has a whole business system for public safety, social services, a community center and city government. They have…