Background:

In a rapidly changing and complex society, the vital role of leadership in all sectors is more important than it has ever been. As companies continue to adjust to ever-changing demands, cultivating a workplace environment in which employees are motivated, productive and innovative becomes vital to the growth of the organization.

Since 2008, Gonzaga University's Emerging Leaders Program in Spokane, Washington, has been giving the rising talent and high-potential employees in your company the chance to stretch the skills they already possess, making them an even more valuable asset to your team. The Emerging Leaders Program is designed to blend professional development education with practical experience that can be measured at your company's bottom line.

In a nine-month program, ELP participants collaborate with direct supervisors to create, or continue working on, a company project. In conjunction with the project, each participant undergoes a thorough leadership assessment, and attends five full-day courses on relevant leadership topics. At each session, participants will have the opportunity to learn directly from guest CEOs, who will present real life case-studies and offer their wisdom in navigating the complexities of leadership.

While Gonzaga University has long been known for excellent leadership programs at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral level, the ELP grew out of a need for more leadership development within the local private sector. By extending training and mentorship opportunities to the Inland Northwest's up-and-coming corporate leaders, the Emerging Leaders Program provides the mechanisms for promising professionals to develop their self-awareness, confidence, and communication skills as leaders.

Program Features

Leadership Skill Assessment

A comprehensive survey involving feedback from the participant’s supervisor, subordinates, and peers which will identify his/her strengths and challenge areas.

Fall Retreat

In late October, the cohorts are brought together to Clearwater Lodge in Newport, WA, for an interactive overnight retreat led by Dr. Joe Albert that will allow them to examine their leadership abilities and engage with fellow participants.

An Experienced Mentor

Each participant is matched with a respected and trusted member of the community whose career has included leadership responsibility and high performance expectations. Participants are provided with guidance in order to maximize the interaction with their mentors.

Stretch Project Assignment

A strategically aligned initiative at your company that is likely to stretch the participant's leadership and technical skills. This can be a new or continuing project.

Practical Courses

Five full-day sessions (one Friday per month from January to May) bring the cohorts to Gonzaga for highly-interactive discussions led by guest facilitators. Instructional and mentor sources are carefully selected from the Gonzaga network of faculty, local professional practitioners, and credible affiliates. Class sessions include scenario analysis and practical strategies for immediate application in these focus areas:

• Self-Leadership
• Organizational Change
• Creative Conflict Management
• Strategic Planning
• Developing Subordinates
• Effective Communication
• Public Speaking

TOTAL COST: $5,900 per participant

Deadline for nominations to the 2013-2014 Cohort is September 15, 2013.

For more information, please contact Rachelle Strawther, Emerging Leaders Program Coordinator, at strawther@gonzaga.edu or call (509) 313-3579