"This is the third time I've participated in one of Susan's Leadership With Class seminars. I continue to be amazed by how much gets accomplished during this program. It is great to refine our leadership skills, improve our school, and have fun in a such a supportive, encouraging environment."

--Alyssa Hageman, Newton Senior High School, Senior Class President and Valedictorian

Leadership With Class II

Though there is still a philosophy at work that “leaders are born and not made,” there is a strong body of research that suggests that, with desire, people can choose to learn the leadership skills so important to influencing others' behavior. In fact, Vince Lombardi says that,

"Leaders aren't born, they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work. And that's the price we'll have to pay to achieve that goal, or any goal."

In her more than 20 years of consulting experience, Susan has found that most projects have had to address the need for positive leadership. Whether working with executives, healthcare challenges, union/management issues, communities reaching out for growth, or student leaders, the strategies within this program make a substantive difference in those who apply them.

Leadership is positive influence. It is influencing people to cooperate towards a common goal - a clear goal that is collectively desired and appreciated. A Korean proverb tells us, "Power lasts ten years; influence not more than a hundred."

The Leadership With Class approach is grounded in respect for relationships and in a belief that with respectful relationships comes trust. And in trusting ourselves and one another, we can work together to accomplish BIG goals.

Participants of Leadership With Class II gain a deeper understanding of their own talents, skills and abilities to become a more effective team members and to accomplish goals. LWCII provides the opportunity to experience a truly effective team in action.

Like the original Leadership With Class, teams tackle an issue of importance to the organization, but this time around they are able to dig even deeper, accomplishing much more in the same amount of time. Why? Because they've practiced the process and used the skills before.

Key ideas include: taking responsibility for one's own behavior, targeting specific behaviors to build leadership strength, and applying learning in a practical way.

“Class is an intangible quality which commands, rather than demands, the respect of others.”
– John Wooden

Call (269) 408-1525 to learn more about Leadership With Class I and II and to determine which program is most appropriate for your leadership team.

"Leadership With Class is an outstanding program. The information Susan presented has really helped us in working towards making our work environment more positive. If your organization has not participated in a Leadership With Class seminar, you are missing out. It is a MUST." --Kris Weitzel, Deputy Warden, Newton Correctional Facility

Highlights/ What You Learn/Major Points

Specific strategies to strengthen the leader’s positive influence.
Understanding your skills, gifts, talents for a fuller contribution to your organization and/ or career goals.
Comprehensive application of skills to a real-life problem.
Key issues that impact the leadership of your organization.
Develop an awareness of how your words are valuable others.
Gain an understanding of how to be a positive and effective team member.

Objectives

To provide learning that is interactive and fun.
To provide an understanding of each person's "Value Package^sm" to strengthen leadership behavior.
To address a practical issue relevant to your organization

Format

Workshop 4.5-6 hours

"Not only did Susan ensure that the students came away with useful skill sets and motivation they needed to be successful in their project, but I came away with new tools as well, and have used them in my own professional setting. Way to go Susan!"

--Claudia Foutz, Executive Vice President
California Society of Health-System Pharmacists

Outline of 4.5 hour program

20 min - Team Billboards

10 min - Objectives, Schedule, Guidelines for working together

30 min - In Teams, consider: "In what specific ways have you been a more positive influence since taking part in Leadership With Class?" (Think in terms of the leadership skills learned in Leadership With Class I - Leading by your Communication, Encouragement of others, Goal Achievement and Example.)

10 min - Discussion / notes

20 min - Share Information

45 min - Develop a Personal Value Package^sm (5 min per person, 6-7 people per group)

5 min individual reflection on personal value.
5 min of input from other team members.

Break into small groups for the Consultative Project addressing a client issue.

30 min - Target your focused issue:

Ask: Specifically, what changes are needed to _____________? (This is the targeted question that needs to be provided.)

Individual Thought With Notes (5 minutes)

Brainstorm the List (10 minutes)

Discussion in Teams (10 minutes)

Prioritize top 3 (5 minutes)

20 min - Ideas for planning, Commitment / Accountability to Follow Through

60 - 90 min - Large group discussion - Hearing and responding to small group work (approximately 10 minutes / group)

10 min - Affirmation bags - Participants draw names write notes of affirmation to 2 team members.

15 min - Oral Evaluation, Celebration of outcome and close

Participants:

We recommend up to 30 in a session.

Location:

An off-site location is recommended. (For example: churches, country clubs, libraries, retreat settings, college campus areas and boardrooms)

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

Transformational Leadership - Top advisers, speakers and trainers show you how to create a leadership style that makes a significant impact.

Magnetic Leadership 20 Expert consultants, trainers and speakers share secrets that attract people to your leadership. 250 pages.

Gourmet Meetings on a Microwave Schedule by Susan B. Wilson Feast on more than 150 ready-to-use ideas, guaranteed to immediately increase the effectiveness of your meetings.

Leadership is in Your Hands by Susan B. Wilson (FREE! on-line article)

Featured in Middle Level Education Newsletter "Middle School Leadership Training"

Bullies, Beware! by Susan B. Wilson (FREE! on-line article)

Goal Setting by Susan B. Wilson

"This program was unlike no other I’ve ever been to. Never have I been so engaged and learned so much pertinent information in 24 hours. I was truly honored to be a part of this. What GREAT speaker!" "Very original; useful take home techniques." "I usually don’t give perfect scores but this program definitely exceeded my expectations."

--Pharmacy Graduate Students,
UCLA, USC, University of California San Diego, UC San Francisco, University of the Pacific, & Loma Linda University,

"This program is excellent at developing and strengthening leaders. I think the most powerful part is being taught how to solve real problems and follow through!"

--High School Student

Call (269) 408-1525 to to learn more!