Program

Participants are introduced to a research-based Cultural Intelligence model and best practices for applying the framework in their professional lives.  Emphasis is placed on developing a personal understanding of authentic self; understanding the meaning of cultural identity and values; and cross-cultural communication.  Participants are guided through the process of interpreting their CQ Pro Self-Assessment and Personal Feedback Report.

• use CQ assessment findings to better understand personal levels of cultural intelligence;
• write and share their personal story;
• have the opportunity to reflect about and learn skills to develop their cultural intelligence;
• continue to develop their LEADeres Personal Plan;
• continue to work with their team on the Social Impact Project.

• understand the definition and importance of “Cultural Intelligence”;
• understand the definition of “culture” and how cultural values impact one’s professional experiences;
• understand personal identity and what it means to be your authentic self;
• use story-telling to tell one’s personal narrative;
• use personal findings from the CQ assessment to identify areas for personal development;
• develop and articulate goals for personal growth in Cultural Intelligence.

Participants are introduced to concepts and practices associated with innovation strategies including Agile; Lean; and Human-Centered Design.  The iterative process of learning, building and measuring is emphasized. Teamwork begins on the Social Impact Project.

• learn strategies and practices associated with innovation;
• practice the Human-Centered Design process in a workshop format;
• create a work plan for the Social Impact Project;
• begin their LEADeres Personal Plan.

• understand common practices and strategies used in innovation;
• have a basic understanding of the methods and mindsets of Human Centered Design (HCD);
• understand how to engage in stakeholder interviews (clients, customers, users) to gather insights;
• synthesize feedback from stakeholders (clients, customers, users) to inform recommendations for products or services;
• build and test tangible ideas for products and services through rapid prototyping;
• understand dynamics associated with working with a diverse team. 

Participants are introduced to concepts and perspectives about leadership.  Emphasis is placed on how leaders motivate and influence others, the relationship between leadership and communication styles, and the differing roles of leaders in varying contexts.  Participants use self-assessment inventories to understand their own leadership, work, and communication styles and consider how these cognitive skills and their personal behaviors affect interactions with others.  The role of leadership in the pursuit of personal and professional goals is explored and case-studies are used to provide participants with an opportunity to apply their learning.

• learn concepts and perspectives about leadership;
• make connections between personal and cultural identity and leadership;
• have the opportunity to reflect about their personal leadership style;
• continue to develop their LEADeres Personal Plan;
• continue to work with their team on the Social Impact Project.

• understand how culture impacts leadership;
• consider the relationship between one’s authentic self and what drives them as a leader;
• understand the role of trust and credibility in leadership;
• understand how communication styles influence leadership;
• understand how leaders motivate and influence others;
• understand how leadership may vary in different settings or environments;
• develop and articulate personal leadership goals.

Participants learn about the systems and structures that exist in corporate and professional environments and are introduced to concrete skills to navigate them.  Recognition of and focus on elements within the locus of control of the individual professional, as a mechanism for full employment and promotion within their organizations, is a key emphasis.  Participants leave this segment with resources and tools that help them navigate interviews and negotiation in the hiring and promotion process.

• engage with community professionals who share their professional journeys;
• learn about the systems, structures, and assumptions inherent to professional environments;
• make connections between personal and cultural identity, leadership, and professional development;
• have the opportunity to reflect about their professional development journey;
• continue to develop their LEADeres Personal Plan;
• continue to work with their team on the Social Impact Project.

• understand job performance, image, and exposure, as they relate to navigating the hidden assumptions of professional workplaces;
• understand the importance of asset based language and apply it to one’s resume;
• be able to use a negotiation checklist in the context of a seeking a new job or promotion;
• apply understanding about personal identify to the contexts and environments in which one works or would like to work;
• use strategies to identify and differentiate among things within and outside of their individual control and make decisions and take actions accordingly;
• develop and articulate individual goals for professional and career development.

Participants interact with community and civic leaders, and engage in concentrated self-reflection in order to make connections between personal, social, and political issues of interest and opportunities for community and civic engagement.  The wide-range of opportunities for community engagement and the personal and professional value of such contributions is emphasized. Participants gain initial community connections and identify actionable first steps to becoming an active contributor in their community. 

• gain exposure to and interact with political and community leaders;
• identify personal barriers to becoming involved in the community;
• make connections among the development of leadership and professional skills and community engagement;
• have the opportunity to reflect about their community and civic engagement;
• continue to develop their LEADeres Personal Plan;
• continue to work with their team on the Social Impact Project.

• have an awareness of opportunities in local government, political advocacy, and the community;
• be able to identify ways in which they are currently engaged in the community;
• understand the personal and professional value of the contributions one can make to the community;
• make connections between personal identity and social and political issues of interest and opportunities for community and civic engagement;
• understand hidden assumptions and differentiate among cultural norms as they relate to political self-expression; 
• have a basic understanding of serving on a board of directors;
• develop and articulate individual goals for community and civic engagement.