LeaderShape

What is the LeaderShape Institute?

The LeaderShape Institute® is "six intense days of dialogue and interactive self discovery in a supportive Learning Community," and the flagship program from the nationally recognized nonprofit organization LeaderShape, Inc. The program focuses on building teams, developing lifelong leadership skills, creating a vision for the future and leading with integrity.  At The LeaderShape Institute®, participants spend time in small and large groups, discovering more about themselves and their leadership potential while working towards a vision grounded in their deepest values.

The LeaderShape Institute utilizes highly interactive program methods rather than classroom lectures. Everyone is a teacher and everyone is a learner. Participants explore not only what they want to do, but who they want to be. It's one of the most unique, energizing and transformative leadership experiences available.

Day-by-Day Overview

To learn more about the format and content of the week, please read the day-by-day outline below.  Additional information can also be found on the national organization's website at leadershape.org.

DAY 1: Building Community

You'll begin to explore what leadership means and discuss its core components. You'll meet the other participants in the "Learning Community," and you'll also join 8-12 other young adults in a group called the "Family Cluster." As your primary reference group, the Family Cluster will offer you feedback, support and help you develop and refine your vision for the future.

DAY 2: The Value of One, The Power of All

You'll begin the second day in an experiential team building activity. By working your way through a series of initiatives and discussions, you'll discover how relationships, trust and problem solving can be enhanced in a supportive group setting. Next you'll add another dimension to your self-awareness by completing a behavioral style inventory. From that information, you'll have an opportunity to set several personal goals for the week and share those with members of your Family Cluster. You'll also participate in exercises which explore the concept of "inclusive leadership" and how to create communities which value respect, openness and diverse opinions. 

DAY 3: Challenging What Is, Looking to What Could Be

Creating a powerful vision is one of the most important aspects of leadership! During this exciting day, you'll begin work developing your own vision for the future which defines a bold change for your community, group, cause or organization back home. The evening will conclude with a Guest Leader Panel and Reception. This is your opportunity to interact with leaders from different professions. Using an informal question-and-answer format, these individuals will share their insights and experiences related to the challenges of "leading with integrity." 

DAY 4: Bringing Vision to Reality

A vision is only a dream unless it results in action. Three key requirements will be discussed (relationships, stretch goals and action steps) which move a vision forward. In addition, the issue of power will be explored in a dynamic group simulation exercise. 

DAY 5: Living and Leading With Integrity

The concept of "integrity" is a challenging one, but central to LeaderShape's philosophy of lifelong leadership development. You will discuss how core ethical values, thoughtful decisions and courage all play critical roles in sustaining integrity and fostering trust and respect. During the afternoon, you'll have open time to discuss "burning issues" before you prepare for a creative Family Cluster LeaderShape Revue in the evening. 

DAY 6: Staying in Action 

On this final day, you'll prepare to return home and face your responsibilities as a LeaderShape graduate who practices the discipline of "leading with integrity." You'll learn what it means to be a part of the nationwide LeaderShape community - a network of mutual encouragement and support. A Learning Community commencement ceremony concludes the week.