There is so much that I loved doing during my corporate career. Certainly, making fun, educational films is at the top of my list. And right next to that is helping curious, smart, and energized leaders in various leadership development programs. In my previous life with a terrific company, I had the good fortune to co-design, with a few brilliant colleagues, and eventually manage, a leadership development program that resulted in participants growing into C-Suite roles, including CEO.
I recently caught up with a graduate of the program who moved up several levels within the company. Eventually, after receiving an offer that she couldn’t refuse, she became the president of another firm. She said that the leadership program had a direct impact on her growth and leadership evolution.
“The entire program was structured to have a lasting impact. You instilled a mindset to think two levels up, how to conduct ourselves to be ready, reaching forward in preparation to lead larger groups and at a higher level. Plus, the Mentoring component was an incredible experience. My Mentor motivated me to come prepared with an agenda and objectives. We covered so much territory in those two years. She gave me invaluable advice and guidance that have stayed with me today.”
Our Pathways to Leadership program is very much influenced by many years of designing – with great Learning and Development professionals – and leading similar programs. It is an evidence-based, customizable developmental booster program kicked off with a thorough assessment process including 360 Feedback, Personality Assessment, and a meaningful debrief with me, all summarized in a report for each participant. The report is used as a blueprint for that leader’s development, focused on the most important leadership competencies requiring some work. Mentors can be assigned for an ongoing relationship that will last for the program’s duration, which can run anywhere from 12 months to three years (18 months being a sweet spot), depending on the client’s needs.
The program’s curriculum consists of Leading Self (to raise self-awareness), Leading Others (to master coaching, leading and inspiring), and Leading the Organization to understand its broader strategic imperatives. Creative methods to enhance learning is a foundation of the curriculum. Naturally, film as “edutainment,” enhancing learning and inspiring program participants, is used throughout the program. Subject matter experts and energizing speakers populate each module, which also has an off-site event for several days focused on the module’s developmental theme. An important capstone project is woven throughout the three modules.
Ultimately, Pathways to Leadership is designed to create the organization’s next generation of leaders and improving retention. Taking such a leap, or step, onto a leadership pathway benefits both growing leaders and the organization.
Leadership FilmWorks is a leadership development firm that uses the synergy of creative technology, film, and storytelling to inspire, teach and develop leadership. Incorporating Dr. Douglas Clayton’s groundbreaking “Total Recall” approach to training, our program upskills your leaders to manage their teams and responsibilities through changing times, facilitate a productive and engaged environment in the virtual workplace, retain talent, build strong teams, and stay competitive. If you’re interested in learning more, contact us to set up a free consultation.