Washington and Lee University
FALL 2009
Sept. 15
Defining Leadership: theories, models and definitions of good leadership have changed over the years. Explore contemporary understandings of effective and good leadership.
Sept. 22
Knowing Yourself and Others: identity is one of the fundamental tasks of young adult, and in this session, discover your temperament using the Keirsey Sorter and explore the implications in organizational contexts.
Sept. 29
Time and Stress Management: discover simple ways to balance the urgent things of life with the important things we hope to achieve, keeping commitments prioritized without debilitating drama.
October 6 Goal Setting and Evaluation: discover and explore an effective process for both individuals and organizations to establish short and/or long teCommons goals and ways of evaluating their accomplishment.
October 13
Learned Optimism: explore Dr. Marty Seligman's theory that optimism can be learned and practiced. Discover your current level s of optimism/pessimism and some methods of positively changing your attitude.
October 20 (COMMONS 114)
Emotional Intelligence: explore and discuss Daniel Goleman's research into emotional intelligence on four levels: 1) awareness of our individual emotions, 2) ability to manage them, 3) awareness of group emotions and 4) the ability to manage them.
October 27 (COMMONS 116)
Social Change Model of Leadership Development: in this fairly recently defined model, discover three individual and three group aspects of social change, with citizenship as the end result.
November 3
Leadership On The Line - adaptive leadership: explore Ron Heifetz and Marty Levin's book, in which leaders surface conflict, challenge long-held beliefs and seek new ways of doing things without incurring too much personal risk and remaining anchored to principles.
November 10
Effective Communication: through a variety of experiential education initiatives, discover ways of communicating more effectively by listening for content, for feelings and for meaning.
WINTER 2010
January 12
Leading With Integrity: What do we really mean when we talk about ‘integrity'? Explore definitions of integrity and the demands that an integrated life makes on leadership. Case studies will be utilized.
January 19 Evening only!!
Leading With Civility: based on the book written by Stephen L. Carter, explore manners, morals and the etiquette of Democracy and implications for campus leadership.
January 26
Servant Leadership: in 1970, Robert Greenleaf's book challenged an organizational model of hierarchical authority. With more and more young adults providing community service, this topic has profound implications for campus leaders.
February 2
Leading With Theological Virtues: while faith, hope and love are virtues cherished by members of faith communities, is there a place for these virtues in contemporary organizations? How are these defined, and practiced, in a working world?
February 9
Leading With Cardinal Virtues: prudence (wisdom), fortitude, temperance and compassion (justice) have been called the cardinal virtues. Explore their cultivation and practice within the context of leadership.
February 16
Ethical Leadership In Action: using case studies, explore models of ethical decision-making and the implications for campus organizations and individuals.
March 2
Leadership Practices Inventory: based on the research and writings of Kouzes and Posner, discover five essential practices of good leadership, and ways that their ordinary habitual practice can lead to extraordinary results.
March 9
Conflict Resolution - part I: explore the theory of resolving conflicts through effective communication and negotiation techniques.
March 16
Conflict Resolution - part II: utilizing role plays and case studies, put the theory of part I into practice.
March 23
Teamwork and Collaboration: through a variety of initiatives, explore group dynamics of teamwork, trust and successful collaboration, balancing individual and community dynamics and needs.
March 30
Action and Reflection In Leadership: current cultural demands of staying busy and active are contrasted with need to slow down and reflect on what is working well (or not) in one's life. A specific process and techniques will be provided and critiqued.