Program OVERVIEW
The Inclusive Leader Academy is built around a me|you|us framework. Module 1 (ME) helps participants build knowledge and understanding of themselves and their own leadership styles, experiences, and ways of “being and doing.” From there, Module 2 (YOU) supports participants in growing a body of knowledge and new experiences around exploring who others are, in ways that empower rather than diminish. Finally, Module 3 (US) seeks to make sense of news ways of “being and doing team,” leveraging the very best of all involved. Some suggested topics can be found below, though each cohort is unique based on organizational and participant needs and experiences.
How WE approach each module
Learning is almost always challenging. Personal growth and leadership development invite us into spaces where we often feel vulnerable. Where we have to admit misconceptions, or inexperience, or ignorance. That’s hard. It takes safe and earnest space to facilitate learning that transforms how we lead ourselves and others. That space is exactly what we’ll create. Each module is built around the framework of creating space, using SPACE as an acronym for the process of change-making: Supporting reflectivity, Provoking engagement, Accepting ownership, Casting vision, and Enacting change.
Supporting Reflectivity
Change starts with individuals. Every leader, manager, and team member is invited and inspired to explore their who, their why, and their what’s next.
For this course, that looks like Pre-Work. We slow down and get ready to learn new things by taking stock of where we are. We unfold where we’re coming from, and how that may inform how we experience what’s to come.
Provoking engagement
Stepping into the discomfort of tough conversations is hard. But embracing new perspectives allows us to shift from disconnection to collaboration.
For this course, this looks like the sessions we’ll hold together. We’ll create the space to hear new ideas and content, and put that content into the context of our roles and responsibilities by engaging on conversation.
Accepting responsibility
It’s not about us versus them; it’s about us. We acknowledge and own our shared challenges and opportunities with courage and conviction.
For this course this like using assessments and exercises to identify what might be “ours” to own in our growth journeys. We’ll look to identify our growth opportunities as people and as leaders.
Casting vision
The power of “what’s possible if…” is compelling and palpable. We lean into and leverage that power when we think beyond our current ruts, risks, and rewards.
In this course this looks like designing what “better” would look like, sound like, and feel like for us and our teams, and seeking to support participants as they align those “betters” with the overall City of Columbus vision.
enacting change
At the end of the day, it’s about getting better. We empower and enable individual change-agents to redesign practices, policies, and procedures.
For this course this doesn’t mean we’re looking to overhaul the organizational it means we’re supporting participants in re-thinking their scopes of influences to make the spaces and teams they lead more inclusive.
COLLABORATORS AND INFLUENCERS
As we create space for reflection, learning, and growth, it’s important that we’re open about our influences and who we collaborate with. There is no “right answer” to personal growth and organizational transformation; just alignment.
And, one of the ways we establish meaningful alignment is to know who those leading the efforts are reading, talking to, and working with.
To be clear, these folks are not specifically collaborating with me on the Inclusive Leader Academy.
These voices are all a part of my learning and are reflected in the work I do.
Here are just some:
