What's a leader? How does an individual identify and stregthen their abilities? What must the organizations they serve do to encourage this growth?
These universal queswtions are challenging organizations around the globe, as stronger economies are leading to talent shortages in almost each industry and in every market.
Being an effective leader is partically about knowing your function or industry and partially "about knowingyourself, your impact on others and your ability to influence." according to Donna Van Rooy, director of Professional Development at Baldwin-Wallace. "It is also about continuing to build an understanding of the environment around you, including your organization, external leaders, competitors and the community."
Recognizing the growing need for leadership, the Baldwin-Wallace College Emerging Leaders Program was started in 1999. According to Van Rooy, the program offers a leadership experience that incorporates all the requirements for today's leaders.
The unique leadership development experience is achieved through the integration of classroom experiences with core and elective curriculum, leadership assessment and development processes, optional internal mentoring, and an action-learning project to apply this knowledge back to the organization.
Organizations that participate in this program are committed to investing in the development and retention of their high potential leaders, according to Peter Kelly, chair of B-W's Business Division. As a result, they realize:
- Enhanced leadership retention by recognizing their high potential leaders and creating a development experience that will lead to increased internal succession pool.
- Increased innovation and growth by exposing their leaders to contemporary business concepts in an environment that encourages open dialogue and encourages catalysts for change.
- Repeated returns from educational value to participants, as they will receive academic credit from the Baldwin-Wallace College MBA Program.
The 11-month program is taught by a faculty comprised of B-W professors and senior leaders who integrate education and business perspectives. The program also can include keynote presentations from internal leaders to relate content back to the organization.
“The quality of faculty, their blended academic and senior leadership experience, their ability to apply ideas directly to participant's responsibilities, and the program's customized design are its unique features,” said VanRooy. “ Our goal is to ensure clients get a return on investment. The only way to do that is to ensure the program integrates into their talent management processes.”
The Berea Children's Home and Family Services has leveraged B-W's program to inspire leadership throughout its organization.
“The Emerging Leaders Program has given our employees a sense that the organization cares about their development,” said Rich Frank, president and CEO of the provider of behavioral health and family support services. “Inclusion in the program has helped us illuminate the path for growth and advancement.”
Organizations and companies interested in the Emerging Leaders Program can visit www.bw.edu/cpd or contact: Donna Van Rooy, (440) 826-3821 or dvanrooy@bw.edu.
Leadership roles changed his goals
When Joe Kowalcyzk came to B-W as a freshman, he knew he would be a biology major with a pre-med focus. That was then. Now in his senior year, while still a biology major, his career plan has switched from medicine to higher education.
As Kowalczyk became involved in campus life, he discovered that he had leadership abilities. His skills developed as he became involved in many organizations. His leadership abilities ranged from director of New Student Orientation and Mid-Night Madness to the Emerging Leaders Workshop where he was a participant for two years and then chair of the event.
“When I walked into B-W, I never had the idea that I wanted to make my mark,” said Kowalczyk. “You work toward your likes and interests and you grow. What you leave behind . . . that’s what people see and remember.”
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