Emerging Leader Program
When you enroll one of your company’s most promising stars in the Emerging Leader Program, it’s more than just a wonderful chance to help the community and give something back. It’s an excellent opportunity to turn your best recruits into true leaders. Not only will they have a huge impact for the good of our community, they also will learn new skills and gain valuable hands-on business leadership experience.
“It’s a priceless opportunity to turn your most promising executives into true leaders.” – Jim Ukrop
What is the
Emerging Leader Program? The Emerging Leader Experience is a 12-week program sponsored by United
Way geared towards the leadership development of young professionals in the workplace. It is designed to give emerging leaders a chance to broaden their professional skills by becoming closely involved in United Way’s annual campaign. Companies “loan” one or more of their more promising leaders to the campaign, giving them the kind of hands-on leadership experience that benefits themselves, their company and the community at large. The program was designed in conjunction with some of the region’s top human resources professionals and includes regular training sessions throughout the 12 weeks. They start with assessments of each participant’s individual leadership skills. This analysis helps leaders understand their preferred working and communications style and interprets their strengths and areas for improvement. There are also training sessions designed to help build competencies in such skill areas as sales, public speaking, time and project management, relationship building, message delivery, and even cold calling. In addition to training, each participant in the program is assigned a personal Executive Coach. This coach, a human resources professional with a background in professional development, works one-on-one with participants, focusing on their individual needs that have been identified. In 2009, over 100 coaching sessions involving over 160 hours were conducted between coaches and Emerging Leaders.
“ With its Emerging Leader Program, United Way hit on a formula for leadership development that goes far beyond what traditional leadership development programs costing thousands of dollars can deliver. The experience of doing something that really matters, sharing that experience with 20 other people, working with an executive coach focused on your development, and receiving targeted training all in a supportive and encouraging environment transforms high potentials into focused, polished and team-oriented performers.” – Plum Cluverius, Organization Development Consultant & Coach, Vedere Consulting
What does it involve? What are the responsibilities of Emerging Leaders? Each Emerging Leader manages a portfolio of accounts (i.e. companies participating in the United Way annual campaign) and reports regularly on their progress to the account manager. They consult on ways to improve workplace campaigns, anticipate and respond to employee needs, conduct workplace meetings with campaign teams, and interact regularly with CEOs, partner-agency representatives and the community. Through the work on their portfolios, Emerging Leaders will truly see how United Way builds long-lasting sustainable relationships in our community.
What is the timeframe for the program? The Emerging Leader Program runs from late August through mid-November and dates vary each year. For the 2010 class, the program will run August 30, 2010 - November 19, 2010.
What kind of orientation do participants receive? Each program begins with a week and a half of training and orientation. During this time, participants receive an in-depth overview of United Way and the organization’s impact work, their roles and responsibilities, professional development classes, networking opportunities with past participants and team building. Throughout the first week and a half, there are plenty of opportunities to get to know fellow participants and begin establishing relationships that will last many years.
Who gets involved?
Is participation in the program a full-time commitment? It is. Think of the Emerging Leader Program as a “total emersion” program. Participants work at United Way where they interact with each other, United Way staff and volunteers, partner agencies, and companies involved in the annual campaign. The days are full…and rewarding.
What kinds of employees are best suited for the Emerging Leader Program? Ideal candidates for the Emerging Leader Program are young professionals who meet the following criteria: i. ii. iii. iv. v.
Upwardly mobile with high to potential to advance in company Someone without direct reports Strongly involved and interested in community development Ability to work in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment Comfortable speaking in front of groups
How you can become an Emerging Leader: For more information, visit United Way’s website at www.yourunitedway.org or contact
Alex Previtera, Director of Development 804-771-5882 or previteraa@yourunitedway.org.