Discussion of Leadership Development Programs

What are the elements of an excellent and effective Leadership Development Program and why do they exist in your organization's program?

What would you identify as best practices elements?

In your opinion- what essential elements are missing from Leadership Development Programs?

Discussion of Innate Leaders

Different than accidential leaders, innate leaders feel leadership as a tangible , palable thing. "They choose leadership, feeling entrusted with a mission and sensing they can carry it out. Their relationship with leadership is passionate and immediate." Henein , Morrisette

How can this perspective and "internal wiring" impact the way innates lead? Are there advantages and disadvantages to their potential approach?

Discussion of Accidential Leaders

"The majority of those classed as accidential leaders claim leadership was 'thrust upon them'. Their approach tends to be intellectual, rational; they plan and reflect. Their style is characterized by quiet determination. Tone is measured, calm." Henein, Morissette

Based on this description how would you see Accidential Leaders' motivation to leadership? How would they identify with leadership? What would the advantages and disadvantages be of an Accidential Leader type?

Accidential versus Innate Leadership

In the book Made in Canada Leadership, Henein and Morisette describe two different starting points for leaders. One is "accidental" and one is "innate". Accidential is described as "backing in to leadership". "The leader within an accidental is not initally visible. They see themselves as leaders through others eyes first. Innate leaders are very aware of the power within. The presense of leadership is palpable and tangible. They choose leadership, feeling entrusted with a mission and sensing they can carry it out." (Henien, Morisette, 2007).

Do you relate to these starting points and what are your thoughts on the charaterisitcs unique to accidental and innate leaders?

What do you think the challenges would be for one, the other or both?

Shelagh

Leading in Turbulent Times

Sometimes leadership feels very lonely and isolating. It's not easy to be a leader in tough, turbulent times. Considering global challenges - economic, societal, and organizational what is the role of today's leader?

How does a leader stay engaged and motivate the people he or she leads?

How does a leader have a positive impact in times of uncertainty?

What support does the leader rely on to remain optimistic? Lots of questions...and certainly hoping to engage some interesting comments.

What was your first "act" of Leadership?

Some of us seem to find leadership within us at a young age...some of us are propelled into leadership and find it as we stumble along. In thinking of your own experiences and background what was your first "act" of leadership and what impact did it have on you personally and on the group you were leading?

Tell Your Leadership Story

Understanding others' journeys gives us special insight into our own. Leadership is an interesting process and learning about leadership journeys builds recognition of one's own leadership capacity and progress.

Help someone else gain self awareness and knowledge by sharing your story. Tell us how you recognized your own leadership strengths, some of the challenges you have faced in your career, and the biggest leadership lesson you think you have learned.....