Columns:: A new class of leaders

since 12/15/98

Columns::August 27, 2001

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A new class of leaders

The Terry College of Business won approval a year ago to establish the Institute for Leadership Advancement. Columns discussed what programs are now under way with ILA Director Christine Riordan.

By David Dodson
ddodson@terry.uga.edu

Columns: With the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership and other student leadership programs already established at UGA, how is the mission of the Institute for Leadership Advancement any different?

Riordan: The strongest feature of the ILA is our model of leadership within organizations, which was created by a team of academics and practitioners. Based on our definition of leadership, the vision of the ILA is to develop leaders who:

Christine Riordan

• engage in continuous self-development and reflection,
• develop and articulate compelling visions,
• are able to execute and implement their visions,
• are adaptable to the changing environment,
• create a caring community through supportive relationships,
• challenge, excite, and empower others to develop as leaders, and
• have strong business acumen.
All of the institute’s programs are directed towards developing these leadership skills in undergraduate students, graduate students and executives.

Columns: The first initiative of the ILA was the Leonard Leadership Scholars. Briefly, what’s the concept?

Riordan: This is a highly individualized leadership assessment and development program for rising juniors in the Terry College of Business. The program is very competitive. We had almost 200 applications for 32 slots. Some of the unique features of this program include one-on-one coaching with faculty mentors who help each student develop a personal leadership action plan, extensive leadership assessments and feedback, and customized leadership classes exclusively for the scholars. They also have opportunities to shadow high-level business executives, pursue internships, attend career skills seminars and lead program activities for youth and community groups.

Columns: Is there a program open to students who aren’t in the Terry College?

Riordan: Yes, the UnderGraduate Advancement (UGA) in Leadership Program is open to all UGA undergraduates. We are putting the infrastructure for this program in place now. It will feature an interactive leadership Web site where students can go online and engage in leadership assessments. The site also will have non-credit leadership courses.
Additionally, we are in the process of seeking approval for an interdisciplinary academic certificate in personal and organizational leadership. The institute is pursuing this certificate as a joint offering with the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. Undergraduates will be able to apply for admission, and we hope to begin offering it in the fall of 2002.

Columns: What about short programs and non-credit courses for executives?

Riordan: In 2002, we will be offering three executive leadership courses on an open-enrollment basis.
The first one is called the Executive Leadership Program. It focuses on an individual’s personal leadership style and effectiveness. Each participant receives a 360-degree evaluation of his or her leadership skills. And they work one-onone with a coach to determine leadership strengths and areas for improvement.
The second program we’re calling Performance Leadership, and it will focus on how to manage performance within organizations. It will run for two days at the UGA Alumni Club in Buckhead.
The third executive program is called Taking Charge of Change, and it focuses on how to manage change and manage within a constantly changing environment. The latter two programs are going to be offered at the UGA Alumni Club.
We also deliver customized leadership programs for corporations.

Columns: And there’s a research component to ILA, too?

Riordan: Yes, we are currently recruiting for a national scholar to fill the Synovus Chair for Servant Leadership and to also be the program director for the research consortium affiliated with ILA. The person in this position will actively publish leadership research in top-tier academic and practitioner journals and promote research on leadership topics among UGA faculty.

Columns: How is the institute being funded?

Riordan: The majority of the operating funds for the ILA are donated by individuals, foundations and corporations. To date, the ILA has received more than $6 million in gifts and pledges toward its programs, and we are pursuing more private funding.

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