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Aspiring Leaders

Employees who would like to explore leadership as a possible career option can do so through the Aspiring Leaders program. Participants will have ample opportunities to learn about leadership, explore their strengths and start the journey toward increasing their leadership within the university. Various assessments, expert presenters, and many exploratory types of activities will give participants the ability to discover if leadership is for them.

Attendance at all sessions for the entire time is mandatory. Participants are admitted to the program upon their supervisor's approval.

Program Description

The Aspiring Leaders program is conducted over the course of three sessions.

Day One
  • Starting the Journey: In this session, we will explore leadership. What it is, what it is not, and if it is a calling or just a promotion into more responsibility.
  • Leading with Character: Leadership models and personal values are explored. Conceptual frameworks will be developed.
  • Strengths: The StrengthsFinder assessment will be used to help beginning leaders understand what each brings to leadership and how to build on those strengths.
Day Two
  • Life Mapping: Continuing the journey…how did you arrive at exploring leadership? We will spend time looking at major decision points and experiences that shape your path
  • MBTI: Even if you have taken the MBTI in the past, we will be exploring the MBTI in terms of leadership.
  • Leadership Panel: Experienced leaders will give a brief account of their personal leadership journey and what lessons were most valuable to them. You will have a chance to ask the panel questions about leadership.
Day Three
  • Team Building: Leaders need to know how to both lead and follow. Various team building activities will help you further develop as a leader.
  • Next Steps: Time will be spent figuring out how to continue your leadership journey and preparing yourself for future opportunities to lead.