Bringing the power of community and vision to Georgia Southern

University.

LeaderShape at Georgia Southern

LeaderShape defines leadership:

Leadership involves living in a state of possibility, making a commitment to a vision, developing relationships to move the vision into action, and sustaining a high level of integrity.Effective leadership takes place in the context of a supportive community and results in positive change.

The Importance of a Georgia Southern Session

• Fifty-seven institutions held sessions of The LeaderShape Institute for their campuses in 2006. A campus-based session has a more profound impact on the campus culture. The strong sense of community that is created during a sessionof The LeaderShape Institute can continue to exist after the conclusion of the program. Campus-based sessions allow for conversations to go deeper, focusing on issues specific to that campus.

Curriculum HighlightsDAY 1: "Building Community"

Students begin to explore what leadership means and discuss its core components. They meet the other participants in the "Learning Community," and also join 8-12 other young adults in a group called the "Family Cluster." As their primary reference group, the Family Cluster will offer students feedback, support, and help them develop and refine their vision for the future.

DAY 2: "The Value of One, The Power of All"Students begin the second day in an experiential team-building activity. By working their way through a series of initiatives and discussions, they discover how relationships, trust, and problem solving can be enhanced in a supportive group setting.

They also participate in exercises which explore the concept of "inclusive leadership" and how to create communities which value respect, openness, and diverse opinions.

DAY 3: "Challenging What Is, Looking to What Could Be"Creating a powerful vision is one of the most important aspects of leadership! During this exciting day, students begin work developing their own vision for the future which defines a bold change for the community, group, cause, or organization.

• The evening concludes with a Guest Leader Forum and Reception. This is an opportunity to interact with significant leaders in business, education, and many different professions. Using an informal question-and-answer format, these individuals share their insights and experiences related to the challenges of "leading with integrity."

Curriculum Highlights

DAY 4: "Bringing Vision to Reality"A vision is only a dream unless it results in action. Three key requirements will be discussed (relationships, stretch goals, and action steps) which move a vision forward. In addition, the issue of power is explored in a dynamic group simulation exercise.

• DAY 5: "Living and Leading with Integrity"The concept of "integrity" is a challenging one, but central to LeaderShape's philosophy of lifelong leadership development. Students discuss how core ethical values, thoughtful decisions, and courage all play critical roles in sustaining integrity and fostering trust and respect. During the afternoon, students have open time to discuss "burning issues" before preparing for a creative Family Cluster LeaderShape Revue in the evening.

Curriculum Highlights

•DAY 6: "Staying in Action"On this final day, students prepare to return home and face the responsibilities as a LeaderShape graduate who practices the discipline of "leading with integrity." Students learn what it means to be a part of the nationwide LeaderShape community - a network of mutual encouragement and support. A Learning Community commencement ceremony concludes the week.

Vision Examples from Georgia Southern

• A future that never lacks in leaders for the younger generation

• People actively pursue the preservation of the environment and are aware of the consequences of their actions

• All children have access to an education despite socioeconomic status

• A country where citizens respect the power of voting and see voting as a right

What do Georgia Southern Students Say?

• Every participant who attends The LeaderShape Institute is asked whether the session was a valuable experience in developing their capacity to lead. The Georgia Southern average is "6.57" on a 7-point scale with "7" representing that they “strongly agree” with that statement.

• “LeaderShape was amazing! The closeness of the family clusters was phenomenal and with our session being from our own school, we can easily go back to our campus with a great sense of unity and pride in one another.”

The Details of a Georgia Southern LeaderShape Session

• 60 students are selected to attend– Program is offered at no charge to these

students• 5 faculty are selected to lead Family

Clusters• Average Program Cost - $45,000

Building the Future of Civic-Based Leadership at Georgia Southern

and Throughout the World