Leadership Foundation Program for Experienced Leaders
At this time, there are no cohorts planned for experienced leaders.
About the Program
The Leadership Foundation Program was launched in 2018, given strong feedback that this has been a critical gap at SFU. The first two cohorts were geared to newer managers. Now we’re piloting a version of the program for leaders with more than 3 years experience who haven’t received formal leadership training.
The Leadership Foundation Program is a comprehensive, cohort-based management/leadership development program intended to equip leaders with the capacity, confidence and connections to succeed in their roles.
In the program, participants will:
- Gain foundational knowledge, skills and tools that will enhance their leadership success.
- Connect with and learn from colleagues from across the organization.
- Set and work towards personal leadership development goals and plans.
- Contribute to a learning and leadership culture at SFU.
Format
The cohort-based program brings together leaders from across the university, to learn together through interactive workshops. Participants will also have access to individual coaching to provide personalized support for specific leadership goals.
Topics
Modules were carefully selected based on best practice, core competencies and input from SFU leaders, and cover topics relating to leading self, leading teams and leading in the organization, including the following, among others:
- Understanding Yourself as a Leader
- Leading Teams for Success
- Leading through Conflict
- Performance Development Refresh
- Coaching Skills
- Critical Thinking & Decision Making
- Creativity & Innovation in the Workplace
- Leading through Change
Time Commitment
Approximately 1 day per month will be required for in-person sessions, over 10 months (September-June). As well, time will be needed for additional program elements and assignments between sessions (e.g. coaching; self-reflections; readings; video clips). We expect all participants to attend all in-person sessions, and complete all program components.
Dates
Sept 2019-June 2020. Sessions will be held primarily on Wednesdays & Thursdays (specific dates to be confirmed).
Eligibility
We welcome expressions of interest from candidates who meet the following criteria:
- Have been in any management role more than 3 years (at or outside of SFU)
- Continuing SFU employee (APSA or APEX)
- Currently in a management/leadership role, with direct staff reports
- Have leadership development or a related goal articulated in their Performance Development Plan
- Can commit to engage fully in program elements and activities
- Demonstrate willingness and commitment to one’s own learning and development
- Have support from their manager for full participation in the program
Fees and Funding
The program will be funded through Human Resources at this time.
Registration Process
At this time, there are no cohorts planned for experienced leaders.
Cohort Selection Process
Human Resources will review Expressions of Interest and create a cohort of approximately 25 individuals that represent a diverse cross-section of departments and roles from all VP portfolios.
If you have questions, please contact Tara Black, Director People Development (tblack@sfu.ca).
“I'm loving the program. It's the synergy of connections amongst the cohort that happen in parallel with the sessions that is providing a real value-add on top of the content. Hearing common problems and discussing them is something we haven't had a forum to do anywhere else.”
– Mike Stanger, Leadership Foundation Program Pilot Participant