The Human Resources Department recently recognized the first official cohort of University employees who completed “The Leadership Experience,” a new offering by the HR learning and development team.
Designed to enhance leadership skills, the Leadership Experience was a 56-hour program held in seven sessions during the fall semester. As part of the program, employees committed to attend all the sessions and completed a team project, which required time outside of class to research and develop. To take the course, participants had to have completed LEAD certification and supervise at least one employee.
“The Leadership Experience focused on the participants’ role as a leader within the University,” said Joanna Roop, learning and development manager. “The goal was to help participants to build their skills around the key competencies of coaching/delegation, staff development, strategic leadership and change management.”
Krista Newkirk, chief of staff to the chancellor, congratulated the first graduates. She lauded their willingness to engage in the training, and she encouraged them to be examples for their coworkers by quoting Nelson Mandela, “It is better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur. You take the front line when there is danger. Then people will appreciate your leadership.”
Newkirk said she hoped the graduates would continue to learn and expand upon the knowledge gained through the Leadership Experience as they helped to move the University forward and that they should apply the skills within the greater Charlotte community.
All participants agreed the new offering was valuable training, and two graduates spoke highly of one of the program’s main components – a 360-degree assessment of leadership strengths and opportunities.
“The 360 assessment was very beneficial. It’s great to know how others see you, and it helps to promote one’s growth,” said Debbie Bolick, contracts manager, research and economic development.
In addition to Bolick, the other inaugural Leadership Experience graduates were Carolyn Aguiar and Lori Fennimore, metropolitan studies and extended academic programs; Pat Barber, Fred Brillante and Mike Carr, ITS; Alicia Bartosch, Controller’s Office; Christine Durham, College of Health and Human Services; Cyndi Hovis, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; Lyndee Champion Ivey, Office of the Provost; Hans Kaufmann, recreational services; Horace Lytch, mail and package services; Ben Mohler, Division for University Advancement; Richard Preville, Office of Classroom Support; Lyndsay Richter, SUAR; Zach Rutledge, SAC and venue management; Ken Smith, Budget Office; and Jared Waugh and Tracy Worthey, HR.
HR held a pilot session of the Leadership Experience last year in which a number of University leaders participated in the program before it was added to the official training catalog for fall 2013.