Leadership Workshop

In this foundational, 13-month program, an intact group of 8-10 leaders:

  • meet each month to explore a different strategic leadership focus area
  • apply what they’ve learned, in disciplined, self-chosen, real-world situations, between meetings
  • meet with each other and/or with their supervisors between sessions to further momentum
  • discuss what they’re learning at the next meeting, so they can receive feedback and make course corrections to further their growth as a leader

This longitudinal approach—changing leadership behavior by applying insights to real-world situations over time—is critical for sustainable change. The program’s structure follows the acclaimed Leadership Platform model, as outlined in our book, The Leadership Platform.

The Challenge

  • Competitive advantage comes largely from effective leadership and management
  • Developing strong leaders is a strategic imperative
  • The historical leadership scenario—managers climbing the ladder through a robust “apprenticeship” process—is obsolete
  • Managers are often thrust into leadership roles without the tools to succeed
  • Leadership is a way of thinking, requiring deep awareness. Skill-based training is ineffective in developing long-term leadership capacity
  • Leadership development requires a long-term commitment and a comprehensive approach

Our Approach to Meeting the Challenge

Most leadership training programs fire up your management team, then send them back to work, minus any strategy for driving meaningful improvement and sustainable change.

The Path Forward Leadership Workshop is different. It’s not a “one-day wonder.”

The Path Forward Leadership Workshop is a comprehensive approach to developing leadership effectiveness. Here’s what makes the Workshop a proven builder of people and organizations:

  • Multiple sessions
    • 12 monthly sessions
    • Each tied to a specific leadership capacity—each session adds a new leadership “plank” to the leader’s “platform”
    • Each session conducted in an experiential framework
    • Based on “The Leadership Platform,” which champions a collaborative approach to leadership growth in a real-world setting
  • A highly interactive workshop setting
    • Each participant shares obstacles, opportunities, challenges and successes
    • No one is allowed to “sit quietly in the back of the room” in this program
    • Each participant experiments with new strategies and tactics in the workplace—and learns from the feedback received
    • This approach fosters accountability for ongoing growth
  • Assignments
    • Each participant applies insights gained, in meaningful, real-world explorations, between sessions
    • Through these practices, participants work on their organization’s business as they learn
    • Each session includes an interactive group review of the completed assignments, with feedback offered by peers and the facilitator
  • Expert facilitation
    • Experienced, acclaimed facilitators offer practical insights based on their own real-world experience as leaders, coaches and consultants
    • Facilitators maintain an upbeat, supporting, yet challenging culture throughout the program
  • A metaphor-rich learning environment
    • The training model uses imagery and metaphor to assist the participants in internalizing the learnings and translating them into practical applications on an ongoing basis
    • For example, you’ll hear your management team talking about the “boot and sandal” in the hallways of your organization…Ask them about it
  • Passing the Baton
    • The Leadership Workshop fosters an ongoing dialogue that will continue to enrich and strengthen the organization long after we leave your building
    • Participants internalize their responsibility as facilitators, coaches, and teachers in developing future generations of leadership

What our clients must deliver in order to get value from the Workshop:

  • Visible support and sponsorship from senior leadership
  • Discipline and accountability around Workshop attendance and assignments
  • Accountability around participant growth commitments
  • Continuation of the dialogue in person and in teams
  • Coaching and mentoring to reinforce learning
  • Clear, uninterrupted blocks of time for participants to engage in practices

The Path Forward Leadership Workshop is a practical, participant-led, disciplined approach to leadership development. Our goal in the Workshop is to generate higher levels of thinking, awareness, and interaction, leading directly to organizational effectiveness, productivity and a distinct competitive edge. The result: profound, sustainable benefit to the organization, its employees, customers, and stakeholders.

Path Forward’s Leadership Workshop launches leaders to unprecedented levels of productivity. We offer customized in-house programs as well as “public” programs (one or two leaders from a variety of companies, working together over a year). Our next public cycle starts in January 2010 (see our What’s Happening page).

Want to explore possibilities? Contact us now!