Each year, UNC Charlotte sponsors select employees to attend the five-day Leadership Development Program in Greensboro, North Carolina. Applications for next year’s program will be accepted from Aug. 10 to Sept. 30, 2018.
The program is held at the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) and is designed for “leaders of managers … managers in the middle.” The program focuses on six factors of successful managers: influence, communication, thinking and acting systemically, self-awareness, resiliency and learning agility.
Beau Dooley, director of the Center for Wellness Promotion, and Kathryn Horne, director of facilities planning, attended this year’s program, which began on May 7. Below, they share their experiences in the program and explain why others should consider applying.
What made you decide to apply for the program?
Dooley: I applied for the program due to the outstanding reputation of the Center for Creative Leadership and because of feedback from UNC Charlotte colleagues who attended in previous years, indicating that this is a leadership program unlike any other.
Horne: I was familiar with the Center for Creative Leadership and knew this would be a wonderful opportunity to gain insights into working as part of a team and improve my leadership skills.
What did you enjoy most about your time at the Leadership Development Program?
Dooley: I enjoyed the myriad of detailed personalized feedback provided to us, which included results from formal assessments assigned prior to program participation as well as direct feedback from the CCL staff and coaches, and other participants during the program. This robust feedback provided a holistic view of my leadership style and abilities that no other leadership program in which I have participated in the past has offered.
Horne: I enjoyed meeting people from a wide variety of industries and professional backgrounds. Having different perspectives about the challenges we all face was very beneficial. Being part of a team that came together throughout the week to share our thoughts and insights with was particularly helpful.
What, if anything, surprised you about the experience?
Horne: The level of engagement with the other participants and the simulated, hands-on problem solving sessions made the program unique. We were fully engaged every moment of the day. Throughout the week, we were encouraged to reflect and set personal goals. The mix of active learning and time for reflection made this a great experience.
What about the program will be most helpful to you in your role at UNC Charlotte?
Dooley: The program taught strategies for developing learning agility, such as cultivating a growth mindset, regularly incorporating reflection into one’s work and effectively using learning partners. These strategies will enable me to become a more confident, resilient and adaptable leader at the University when facing new, different and challenging professional situations.
Horne: Having an opportunity to get feedback from both a group of peers and a personal coach gave me good insights about how to lead effectively. In my role at UNC Charlotte, I work with stakeholders across campus and will be able to put what I have learned about working as part of a team into practice.
What would you tell others who are considering applying to be sponsored for the program?
Dooley: Be prepared for an enjoyable, enlightening and intense experience that will take you out of your comfort zone at times. If you completely immerse yourself in the experience and trust the Center for Creative Leadership’s process, you will experience personal and professional growth in ways you did not expect.
Horne: Just do it! The program is valuable for people at many different stages in their careers, with different backgrounds and experience. To get the most from the program, you must be willing to take time to reflect on the experience and be open to seeing things in a new way. Dedicating an entire week to this kind of development opportunity might seem daunting, but it really takes this much time to dive into the complex issues related to leadership and teams.
Horne adds, “I appreciate the wonderful opportunity to attend this high-caliber program and to have time to really focus on what it means to be a leader. Now I can put what I learned into action.”
For more information on the Leadership Development Program or requirements for participation, visit the learning and organizational development website.