Leadership Advanced Stronger Leaders…Stronger Nonprofits…Stronger Community… Leadership Advanced is designed for nonprofit Executive Directors and Senior Managers who seek to develop their leadership and management skills. This cohort-based, peer-centered, professional learning experience is led by faculty from Vista Global Coaching & Consulting and Spectrum Nonprofit Services, two nationally known nonprofit consulting firms. In times of rapid change and increasing challenges, nonprofits need leaders with the ability to adapt to and take advantage of changing circumstances. The goal of Leadership Advanced is to create and support a network of empowered, innovative, and resilient nonprofit leaders, capable of navigating change with the skills and tools necessary to move their organizations toward greater impact. Investing in Leadership for Greater Philanthropic Impact Recently, the Stanford Social Innovation Review and Ira Hirschfield declared that foundations need to do more to fund leadership development. By sponsoring grantees and underwiting Leadership Advanced program costs, participating foundations address this need and brings grantmakers and nonprofit leaders together for increased philanthropic impact. Offered to a cohort of 15 Fellows, Leadership Advanced is designed to build not only the individual’s leadership skills, but also to build a collective network of peers that will work together in their community. In addition, Leadership Advanced emphasizes the importance of engaging board leaders in partnership with their senior staff leaders to strengthen the overall impact of the organization. Leadership Advanced Offers Fellows A new, diverse peer network of nonprofit leaders committed to learning A unique view of their leadership style through the Leadership Practice Inventory 360 assessment A dynamic framework for leadership exploration and development through the application of skills in an on-going, peer-centered learning environment A variety of learning opportunities that promote innovation and creative thinking Management tools and the development of skills to build strong organizations Leadership Advanced Offers Organizations A leadership development program focused on the nonprofit’s needs and concerns Increased capacity for stability, growth and impact through the focused development of its Executive Director’s or Senior Manager’s leadership skills and talents A chance for the Executive Director or Senior Manager and board to strengthen their work together How Leadership Advanced Works Application-based selection process Leadership Advanced Fellow participation in seven sessions, a total of eight days Board leader participation in one session Would the nonprofit leaders in your city or region benefit from a similar leadership development program? Contact Vista Global Coaching & Consulting to learn more about starting a cohort-based, peer-centered, professional development program in your area. Journey of a Leadership Advanced Fellow Kick-Off Event – Fellows become acquainted with each other while gaining an understanding of the program, timeline, resources available, and expectations for participation. The session will focus on the role of the nonprofit board, the importance of the board chair’s role, and the development of the partnership between the Executive Director or Senior Manager and the board. “It has changed how I approach and empower my staff as well has build my confidence and interaction with the board.” – Leadership Advanced Fellow, 2018 Learning Circles – After the kick-off, Fellows meet every 4-6 weeks for five sessions to explore the role of a nonprofit leader. Each session will focus on a different aspect of leadership and management skills in the nonprofit context; using a peer-centered learning model, in which faculty facilitate dialogue among Fellows. Presentations and required readings are moderate, with emphasis placed on real-world knowledge and the development of a learning community. “It has helped me to find the time and space to reflect on both my personal leadership as well as the overall growth, development and health of the organization.” – Leadership Advanced Fellow, 2017 Capstone Event –the eight-month journey of Leadership Advanced culminates in a two-day retreat that engages Fellows in reflection on what they have learned, and in discussion of how the peer network can be further developed. A graduation ceremony recognizes their achievements. Fellows are invited to contribute to the development of future Leadership Advanced leaders by providing feedback to the faculty. Board members are important participants for part of this event. “The program has taught me to be more thoughtful in developing and focusing my personal goals. It has helped me learn to make time to be intentional and focused.” – Leadership Advanced Fellow, 2018 Commitment to Participate Each applicant commits to: actively and fully participate in Leadership Advanced for the entire program by attending all sessions and completing all assignments between sessions. Each applicant’s organization commits to: actively support the Executive Director’s or Senior Manager’s full participation in Leadership Advanced and attendance by a board leader at the Capstone event. Contact Vista Global Coaching & Consulting to learn more about customizing the leadership journey and commitment to participate for the nonprofit leadership in your community. Check out more videos, including testimonials from participants, at the Vista Global youtube channel.
