Constant change is a defining element of modern organizational
life, requiring leaders who are flexible, adaptable, and skilled at
working
with people. Because executives depend on others to
accomplish their business goals, it is essential that they know
how to get the best from their colleagues.
The pressure to achieve
necessitates constant learning — about their field,
their
teams,
themselves, and how well their organization is working
as a whole.
Few leadership development programs teach executives the
capabilities necessary
to leverage their highly developed technical
competencies using new skills that
promote individual and
group effectiveness. GISC’s Leadership Program uses a
well established
and proven approach for increasing personal impact
that will expand participants’ knowledge about themselves as
leaders — helping them build on personal strengths and develop
the potential of those with whom they work.
The program is presented in two modules over a five-month
period. It requires a commitment to attend both modules and
to conduct an individual learning inquiry that relates to their
organization between sessions. Each participant will be provided
with an experienced executive coach who will work with them
during Session One, in the time between Sessions One and Two,
and following the completion of the program to support the
integration and application of their learning.
The program provides a range of learning methods, including
experiences which promote immediate personal insight,
opportunities for intensive skill practice, plus time to reflect on
one’s own leadership profile within an organization. Participants
will return to their organizations with new skills, increased
confidence to lead effectively, and fresh perspectives on the role
they perform.
Session One:
Understanding Myself as a Leader
This work focuses on enhancing participants’ self-perception
and building leadership presence. The unique opportunity to
receive feedback from peers and faculty and to expand their range
of behaviors provides participants an opportunity to make an
immediate impact on their practical leadership skills. The
session will include the following:
An exploration of core leadership values and assumptions.
Practice with a simple model to enhance effectiveness and authenticity of communication.
Heightening appreciation of elements of presence and style of influence.
Introduction to action inquiry as a leadership tool.
Use of coaching skills in leadership.
Meetings with individual executive coaches in preparation for intersession work.
Session Two:
Leading Groups & Influencing Change
This work focuses on the skills required for leading and
participating in groups, and
is enriched by extensive practical
experience in how groups function most effectively. The renowned
Cape Cod Model will be applied to leadership through participation
in a full case study during which experiential sessions will provide
intense practice
in conducting impactful meetings and obtaining
commitment to joint actions. The important dynamics of power
issues will be addressed, along with a comprehensive model for managing change. The session will include the following:
Seeing patterns of interactions in teams and small groups.
Supporting the healthy functioning of teams.
Using strategic and interpersonal skills in a balanced and effective way.
Using power and hierarchy.
Seeing the interrelationship of multiple levels of organizations.
Meetings with individual executive coaches to integrate learning.
Individual Executive Coaching
In order to ensure the individual application of the learning, each
participant will be paired with an experienced executive coach.
They will work together one-on-one and
as part of a coaching
team during and between both sessions, to explore specific
application of the learning to their role and organization.
New 2013 Program Dates
and Fees
LEADERSHIP IN THE 21st CENTURY
Session I
Understanding
Myself as a
Leader
March 10-15, 2013
Session II
Leading Groups & Influencing Change
October 20-25, 2013
Each Week:
Begins
Sunday, 1pm
Ends
Friday, 1pm
Fee
$10,450
GISC Member: $10,400
$250 non-refundable application fee (to be applied to tuition) is required with application.
About the Program:
Leadership in the 21st Century:
Board members and faculty Bridget Farrands & Paul Rookwood describe Leadership in the 21st Century
“While companies spend time focusing on management and financials, they often ignore the most important elements: people and leadership. The Leadership in the 21st Century experience was one of the most profound personal and professional experiences that I have ever had. The impact was such that I have implemented a full leadership program in my company based on what I have learned in Gestalt. We are working to make
Gestalt leadership a “way of being” for us -
a central component of our culture, and a
primary driver of our future success.”
Steven Aukers CEO
“Leadership in the 21st Century changed the
way I thought about being a CEO in a family business.
I had taken many leadership training courses over the years, but being able to apply them in a family business was difficult. In this program I learned so much about myself as a leader through feedback from the other participants. What stuck with me most, however, was a better understanding of the importance of awareness within a group. I am now able to see my team as a system, and understand how I can support them to be a better team.
Having an executive coach between sessions helped me stay focused and practice what I
learned during the first week. I now have
confidence to handle any type of resistance, turn
it into constructive energy and use the power of emotion to get the best results out of my teams.”
