LEADERSHIP IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Overview of Cohort 17 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM C16 - The LEAD program helps develop leadership potential for a more sustainable world.
TABLE of CONTENTS ABOUT LEAD... 3 LEAD International... 3 Values & Principles... 3 LEAD Network... 3 LEAD Canada... 3 Member Programs... 3 LEAD s APPROACH... 4 KEY COMPONENTS... 5 PROGRAM OVERVIEW... 6 The Learning Journey for Cohort 17... 6 Learning Outcomes... 6 E-LEARNING... 7 CANADIAN LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE SESSIONS... 8 INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE... 9 HOW TO APPLY... 10 Fees & Payment Information... 10 Domestic Program... 10 LEAD offers leadership for sustainable development, emphasizing: Cross-sectoral engagement business, academia, government, and NGOs together Cross-cultural communication interact with peers from different backgrounds and perspectives International experience sustainability is a global issue, leadership requires a world view Join 2,400 Fellows around the globe to inspire leadership for a sustainable world 2
ABOUT LEAD LEAD International LEAD has a vision of a sustainable world where the leadership potential of people and communities is developed, enabling these leaders to collaborate across sectors and cultures as they facilitate and implement sustainable solutions at both the local and global levels. Founded over 20 years ago, LEAD is an international non-profit organization with a burgeoning network of over 2,400 leaders in more than 90 countries. Our shared mission is to inspire leadership for a sustainable world. We do this by searching worldwide for outstanding people, developing their leadership potential through our innovative training programs and working with them to mobilize others to make a real difference in the future of this planet. Values & Principles In delivering our mission, LEAD operates according to the following values and principles: A sense of urgency. Humanity is on an unsustainable path, and rapid change is essential to achieve sustainability Recognition that leadership can take place at many levels, and that everyone has a potential leadership role to play Belief in a cross-sectoral, cross-cultural collaborative approach Mutual respect for different perspectives, cultures and backgrounds The importance of both inspiring and listening to others A belief that sustainable development is achievable as well as desirable A commitment to social justice, which together with environmental responsibility and economic equity, are at the heart of sustainable development 3
LEAD Network We are a unique international network of professionals and training organizations working in all areas of sustainable development. LEAD network members are highly successful leaders working on complex local to global environmental and development issues in more than 90 countries of the world. Through dialogue and the sharing of experiences, LEAD s 2,400 Fellows bring the network to life. LEAD Canada LEAD s mission is to inspire leadership for a sustainable world. LEAD Canada strives to provide opportunities for LEAD Fellows and other change agents from Canada and abroad to deepen their knowledge about, strengthen their skills for and engage in action in sustainable development. LEAD Canada pursues this purpose within an existing international and crosssectoral framework. LEAD was founded in 1991 as an initiative of the Rockefeller Foundation, one of the oldest and largest private charitable organizations in the world. The idea of LEAD grew out of discussions between the Rockefeller Foundation and Gro Harlem Bruntland following the publication of her Commission s seminal report in 1987 (The Brundtland Commission). There was an identified need to develop and support a new generation of leaders who, equipped with a fresh combination of skills and perspectives, would be linked through their experience and careers in a global network focused on environmentally sound development. As the world was preparing for the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, LEAD was born. Since then, we have been recruiting talented individuals from key sectors and professions all over the world to be part of a growing network now standing at over 2,400 leaders, who are committed to changing the world. Every one of our leaders is a graduate of LEAD s Fellows Training Program, an intensive and demanding program designed to enhance leadership ability, strengthen sustainable development knowledge and foster the relationships that will continue to support our Fellows in their work. This cross-sectoral, crosscultural program has been at the heart of LEAD activities across the globe. Through our expanding activities, the LEAD network now reaches out to thousands of individuals every year. Our participants include business executives, government policy makers, university professors, NGO directors, education specialists, and media professionals, all of whom are working to make a difference at local, regional and global levels. Participants who start in the leadership development program are known as Associates. To become a Fellow, Associates must complete the Leadership for Sustainable Development program comprised of two domestic face-to-face sessions, one international experience and the required e-learning courses. 4
Member Programs LEAD Canada is one of 12 regional LEAD Member Programs delivering Fellow s training to become part of the vibrant network. These organizations are well established in their countries and have expertise in training and capacity development, project management, research, networking support, communications and providing policy advice to help deliver our mission. 5
LEAD s APPROACH LEAD s approach to learning is based on tried and tested adult learning methodology that is learner centred, participatory, experiential, dynamic and fun! We use a wide range of methodologies including virtual learning, place-based case studies, site visits, participatory inquiry, stakeholder dialogue, interactive panel discussions, cafe conversations, open space technology, story-telling and visual arts, film, peer-to-peer learning, and individual and team challenges. Learning Through Journeys LEAD creates unique learning journeys around leadership and sustainability challenges in order to fully engage participants from different sectors and diverse cultural backgrounds. With 20 years experience of delivering global development programs we recognise that people start from different places, with different expectations and have different learning styles. The purpose of the learning journey is to map a clear path through specific sustainability themes and challenges, and to strengthen opportunities for individual and group learning and reflection. This is achieved through a variety of means: by creating a dynamic learning environment, by strengthening individual communication skills, and by challenging participants to work collaboratively. Good 6
networking is encouraged throughout, while the overall aim of the learning journey is to balance the key dimensions of knowledge input, skills development, and self awareness, as shown in the diagram, so that participants may learn by doing. 7
KEY COMPONENTS LEAD Canada training programs are carefully designed to provide the best possible learning environment for all our participants. We do this using a variety of training methods and activities. The key dimensions of our leadership development program are: Face-to-face sessions Intensive sessions to develop leadership skills, foster cross-sectoral dialogue and engage in the challenge of real-life sustainability situations with stakeholders and through site visits. Some of the learning activities deployed are: o Skills development Development of personal leadership skills such as listening, teamwork, communication and negotiation occurs throughout the program. These skills are put to the test through practical challenges and personal interactions. o Cafe conversations An innovative way of hosting conversations that link and build on each other, as people move between groups, cross-pollinate ideas, and discover new insights into the questions or issues that are most important in their life, work, or community. 8
o Open space A specific technique to draw out ideas for discussion and facilitate selfselected learning. o Group presentations Individual and team activities that aim to share information and messages with the group and also test your ability to work across sectors and cultures. o Simulation/case studies researched and written case studies and simulations that have proven to be a powerful instructional tool for training and education for sustainable development. E-learning In addition to course materials to support the face-to-face learning, Associat1es can build their own learning journeys and complete modules online in their own time. LEAD e-learning is interactive, collaborative and cutting-edge and includes expert presentations on leadership and sustainable development. Peer learning Invaluable opportunities to explore the skills, knowledge and diverse perspectives within the LEAD training group. Online networking The LEAD online platform is a resource to enable communication, networking and sharing of information about the program in preparation for our face-to-face activities in in different locations across Canada, and the International Experience. 9
PROGRAM OVERVIEW The LEAD Fellows program is one of the most dynamic, engaging and innovative leadership and sustainability programs in the world. Explore the LEAD program and be inspired to join a vibrant global network of leaders that brings about change for a more sustainable world. The LEAD Canada Professional Development Program is designed for professionals who want to become more effective change agents in their work and personal life. The program is learner-centred, participatory, experiential, fun and designed to fit around your work and personal commitments. LEAD programs are designed to contribute to a growing network of global leaders equipped with the competencies necessary to facilitate change towards a more sustainable future. The LEAD competency framework contains a set of behaviours - engaging with context, demonstration of positive leadership and enabling systems change that leads to the delivery of sustainable results. The competency framework is used as basis for self-assessment and peer feedback. The Learning Journey for Cohort 17 The program engages participants in a minimum of 22 days of learning. LEAD uses a blended approach to learning, giving participants the option to choose from collaborative and self-study online learning courses and face-to-face learning opportunities. E-Learning - 72 hours of study (11 days equivalent) on your own time. Choose from our wide range of facilitated and self-study learning courses which you can access for up to 2 years. (See e-learning details on p. 12) Leadership Challenge Sessions - in the face-to-face sessions participants will explore leadership for sustainable development through skills development and in action through engagement with local sustainability challenges. Participants can choose two regional sessions over the two year period (preferably one east and one west) and spend 3.5 days for each in skills development and exploring the local challenge. (See Canadian challenge sessions on p.13) 10
International Experience Becoming a LEAD Fellow requires participation in a face-to-face session of with one of the international Member Programs. Sustainable development, no matter how local the issue, is effected by international dynamics and the leadership development program is enhanced through the cross-cultural participation in the international experience. LEAD Canada Associates will be able to select from a variety of face-to-face sessions being held by LEAD Member Programs in different parts of the world in 2013 and 2014. They might also be joined by Associates from other Member Programs in their own domestic sessions. The aim of these international exchanges is to foster knowledge sharing, relationship building and engage in cross-cultural experiences. Learning Outcomes The LEAD training program equips emerging leaders with knowledge and enhanced understanding of sustainable development, as well as capacity to take a leadership role and effect change for a sustainable world. By the end of the program participants will have the personal awareness, skills and confidence to bring about positive change. The expected learning outcomes are: Strengthened knowledge and understanding of key sustainable development challenges and opportunities at global and local levels Deeper understanding of complex leadership challenges, and how individuals and organizations can make a difference Enhanced leadership skills identified as critical for those working in the field of sustainable development First-hand experience of putting the principles of sustainable development into practice through the local challenges and case studies Enhanced ability to work with the different skills and perceptions that cross-sector culturally diverse teams offer in order to generate innovative solutions Stronger connections with peers working across the world and a heightened sense of belonging to a global network of around 2,400 sustainability leaders in over 90 countries 11
E-LEARNING E-Learning is an integral part of the program and counts for 72 hours of study in your own time. Associates can choose from the wide range of facilitated and self-study learning courses which they can access for up to 2 years. The self-study courses are segmented into modules lasting 3 hours each, and these will be complemented with a variety of collaborative and guest speaker modules (approximately 24 hours out of the total) One of the advantages of the E-Learning module is that it is entirely flexible. Associates will have the freedom to decide when and how to fit their study time into their work and personal schedules. In addition, the E-Learning component allows Associates to become familiar with tools for online participation and collaboration and to share their knowledge and experience with other Associates. The self-study modules will cover topics such as: Planning for Sustainability Understanding sustainable development Introduction to leadership for sustainable development Your Personal Development Plan Thinking Differently Applying Systems Thinking to Create Change U-Process Impact Measurement Getting Your Message Across Social Media for Change Cross-Cultural Communication Listening and Questioning Skills Skills for Change Agents Engaging Stakeholders Win-win Negotiations Effective Decision-making 12
CANADIAN LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE SESSIONS Action Learning Leadership Challenge Sessions will allow participants to explore leadership for sustainable development through skills development and in action through local sustainability challenges. Associates must participate in two of these sessions as a requirement of becoming a LEAD Fellow. For the first session (referred to as Canadian Domestic 1 ), Associates choose a regional session that suits their schedule and spend 3.5 days in skills development and exploring a local sustainability challenge. The challenge allows participants to explore sustainable development from various perspectives and then work collaboratively to address the sustainability issues raised by the challenge. The leadership challenge session includes a site visit and a continuation of online collaborative work amongst Associates after the actual session has been completed. The Canadian Domestic 1 session for Cohort 17 Associates will be held: October 26-29, 2012 in Ottawa-Gatineau January 2013 in Regina, SK Dates and locations for Canadian Domestic Session 2 later in 2013 will be determined once registration is complete. Skills development in the Canadian sessions will feature experiential learning with a focus on leadership (qualities and capabilities), being able to think differently to foster change within the context of sustainability (including systems thinking), and on the engagement of stakeholders for win-win outcomes (mutual gains negotiations). These major elements will be complemented with exercises to help get your message across as an agent of change in the arena of sustainability. The Leadership Challenge Sessions bring participants together to: Observe leadership for sustainable development in practice Explore the dynamics of multi-stakeholder engagement ranging from business and government to local communities Practice how to communicate compelling messages to the different audiences Engage in the big picture of sustainability and identify how to grow their sphere of influence Assess and collaborate on a project of common interest 13
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE Think globally, act locally may have become a cliché but the phrase still captures the essence of sustainable development we re all in this together so we better figure out how to work together, across sectors, across cultures, around the world. The LEAD International Experience encourages Associates to augment their leadership development by participating in a leadership challenge session in another Member Program (see map on p. 5). The International Experience, besides complementing the leadership skills developed in the Canadian sessions, allows Associates to engage with their peers in a cross-cultural setting and experience the challenges in sustainable development from their perspective. The International Experience is not just for those intending to work at the international level, but for all who are determined to make the world a more sustainable place, whether locally or globally. The session provides participants with new and insightful perspectives and helps create the world-wide network of Fellows to support your work in the area of sustainability for years after completing the program. The International Experience brings participants together to: Observe leadership in a cross-cultural setting Explore the dynamics of sustainable development in practice in another region of the world Practice how to communicate sustainability messages in other cultures Identify the links that make sustainability a global issue and what actions can lead to effective change. 14
HOW TO APPLY Application Please fill out the online application form at www.leadcanada.net. Fees & Payment Information A. Domestic Program - $3,000 plus applicable sales tax. Fees cover the following components of the 22-day LEAD learning journey: Two 3.5 day Canadian Leadership Challenge sessions (face-to-face) including accommodation, meals, materials, site visits & local travel E-Learning courses on the LEAD learning platform, including support and guidance between sessions Membership to the LEAD online social network and learning resources site The fees do not cover travel to and from your residence to the location of the face-to face sessions, and associated travel costs such as travel insurance and visas Payments: A $250 non-refundable deposit is required upon acceptance the balance is due in two installments 30 days prior to each domestic session by cheque or major credit card B. International Experience A minimum 3.5 day international session. The cost of the international experience will vary depending on the Member Program chosen; in most cases, however, it will be similar to the Canadian domestic sessions. Payment and arrangements for participation will be made through LEAD Canada. 15